Machu Picchu & Amazon

Introduction
Cusco & Amazon Peru

A fast moving adventure package designed for those who wish to experience the excitement and mystery of highland Inca Peru, classic Amazonian rain forest and the romance of historic Cusco in an action packed two week vacation.... includes almost everything! Get yourself to Peru - we¹'l take it from there!

We have carefully compressed several premiere activities into an exciting two week program.
Starting with an introduction to Inca Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we follow with a DELUXE, SAFARI STYLE HORSE PACK TRIP into the nearby high Andes along seldom used Inca trails. After a pampered night at our favorite Sacred valley lodge, we treat you to the FAMOUS NARROW GAUGE TRAIN RIDE and a quick, intensive visit to the new world's finest archaeological monument, MACHU PICCHU...
Then our Classic Jungle Adventure exploring one of the last undisturbed Amazonian rain forest preserves, MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE BY FOOT, LODGE AND DUGOUT CANOE.

Accomodation

Exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Inca trails on Horseback. Machu Piccu and the Manu Rainforest

We stay each night in a different comfortable Inn or Hotel or campsite. The comfortable camps offer delicious meals prepared from fresh meats, grains and vegetables served in our large dining tent with tables and chairs. One or two persons are assigned a weather tight, quality, four-person sleeping tent.

Then a visit to some one of the worlds top Amazonian Rainforest. Lodge destinations in one of the World largest protected parks – The Manu Biosphere Reserve.

Riding

THE HORSE RIDE:
This is a safari style quality adventure using pack-stock to carry all gear and camping amenities. An experienced staff of bilingual guides and local packers accompany a small group of guests.

We own special mountain bred horses descended from noble Spanish Barbs brought from Spain in the 1500s. Crossed with the comfortable but less sure-footed Paso breed our mountain horses give a strong, comfortable ride with greater endurance, stability and reliability needed for steep Inca trails. We raise and train horses at our ranch in the Sacred Valley. The horses are no nonsense, experienced, sure-footed, non gaited mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride on steep pathways. Some walking is necessary over steep short sections of poor trail. We travel up to seven hours on the longest day.

Each day begins with a pan of hot water and coffee or tea served at your tent. Before the evening meal, we enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages and for those who imbibe our famous expedition vodka martini’s and fine Chilean wine. Everyone is assigned a saddle horse. This can be used for the whole trip, for some hours each day AS YOU WISH. Horses not being used by guests will be looked after by our wranglers (packers) and can be summoned throughout the day as needed. Our well trained, sure-footed, no nonsense horses (we own and train them ourselves at our Sacred Valley facility) are smaller than American and British saddle horses but carry us over the high passes with amazing energy. We do limit rider weight to 220 lbs (100ks) but for a surcharge can provide 2 horses for more weight. (Comfortable padded, new, South American-style saddles are used.)

EXTENSIVE RIDING EXPERIENCE IS NOT A PREREQUISITE BUT PRIOR FAMILIARITY AROUND HORSES IS RECOMMENDED. WE DO HOWEVER TEACH THE BASICS REQUIRED FOR NOVICES. WE REQUIRE THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND REASONABLE PHYSICAL CONDITION.

Itinerary

Day 1:  This will be a travel day from home and most flights from North America and Europe arrive in Lima in the early to late evening. We greet you off your flight and take you to a small safe hotel just 12 minutes from the airport or you can ask for the available upgrade to the 4* Ramada Airport Hotel right next to arrival hall.

Day 2:  Flight to Cusco (ticket not included). We will meet your arrival at the Cusco airport and escort you to our centrally located hotel. Time off and then lunch with your guide. The afternoon is scheduled for a walking introduction to the archaeological and colonial highlights of the old capital of the Inca’s and the nearby important ruins... This 3-4 hour tour takes you to all the important Inca sites in Cusco town and environs . We start with a visit to the most sacred of Inca sites - the Koricancha . Winding out of town we will take in the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman where our ride leader describes the rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at the massive walled limestone constructions and sculptured terraces surrounding the immense central plaza the strange temple of Kenko and the water fountains of Tambomachay. We gather for dinner and discussion at our favorite restaurant near our centrally located comfortable lodging in Cusco. B: L:D.

Day 3:  Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. An interesting drive of several hours takes us over another Andean pass to our trailhead at Chihuapampa. And our waiting horses and trail crew. Our guide gives a helpful riding lesson, a review for more experienced riders and necessary trail instructions, as duffels and gear are expertly sorted, matched and loaded on mules by a colorful group of Quechua speaking wranglers. Abandoning tents and baggage to follow on the mule train, we set off, riding past the mountain town of Lares. Looking something like the trail worn vanguard of Francisco’s Pizarro’s army, arriving in Cusco in 1533. Men loading a truck stare in wonder. Curious kids at a nearby school stop their football game to watch us clip-clop by on the cobblestone street. Soon we are on an ancient trail climbing steeply out of the valley past small potato fields and adobe houses. Giant blue Lupin bushes line the trail. We follow the Rio Lares downstream Late afternoon finds us on a high broad ridge with a level area suitable for our tents at Qollpachaca at 10,500ft – we have been riding for 2 and a half hours,. We make camp near the village of Vilcabamba, a few scattered simple houses with friendly occupants. When we camped here for the first time in May of 2004, the locals said that we were the first outsiders to pass through in their memory. Ride time 2 and a half hours. B:L:D

Day 4:  The Andean dawn breaks colorfully to the east. We linger over a last cup of gormet coffee as restless mounts wait impatiently to begin the day’s journey. Crossing a deep quebrada, we angle around another ridge passing Santa Rosa opposite the the weaving village of Cachin. We may be lucky enough to buy or bargain for some of the most prized of Andean textiles produced here. Riding on, past curious, red -ponchoed locals working small potato fields with ancient digging sticks, we follow a well worn pathway once trodden by Inca pack trains laden with jungle goods from the nearby lowlands. Climbing Qochayoq pas at 13.800 ft, we drop into and stop for lunch at Chupani, a small isolated village of stone-walled, grass roofed huts perched casually on a broad alluvial fan protruding down from the junction of two immense canyons. Hot Coca tea, boiled potatoes, roasted corn and avocado salad fuels us for the remainder of the day’s journey. Continuing up into a broad high open region, we pass by a number of small villages. This high pampa with its beautiful view was probably a place for breeding and raising of llamas used for carrying supplies along the royal roads. We continue our climb passing herds of grazing alpacas. Mountain vizcachas (related to the chinchillas) scurry amongst boulders washed down from the higher peaks. We descend to our camp at Mauca Chupani 13,200 ft Ahead in a majestic circular bowl crowned by a deep blue lake, our wranglers have set up a ring of green tents awaiting our arrival. Some of us stretch our legs by walking the last mile or so to Camp. Shortly, we are sipping hot chocolate and munching fresh popcorn near grazing alpacas. Savory aromas from the cook tent drift across the pampa. Several of the bold sip one our famous expedition martinis awaiting arrival of the first course of soup that announces the arrival of dinner. Ride Time 6-7 hours (B L D)

Day 5:
Startling flocks of puna teals and andean geese, we trot out and upward into the morning mist and Chupani pass at 13,800ft, Today is a long ride through spectacular scenery. Following lunch we cross over another high, unpronounceable pass named Huacahuasicasa. Passing Wacawasi we descend thru Wacawasi .The trail narrows as we wind through towering metamorphic sentinels guarding the approach. The view from the top of this 4500 meter high pass easily equals the best the Andes has to offer. Now in the downhill back toward the Sacred Valley, the horses pick up energy as they know they are pointed toward home. The rose colored glaciers of Nevado Pumahanca hang overhead, lit by the glow of the fading Inca Sun God Inti as we reach the evening camp at Mantanayoc. A glass of selected Chilean wine completes the day. (B L D)

Day 6:  The day breaks bright and sunny . Fresh fruit, yogurt and hot cakes start our day. Duffels packed for the waiting mules, we head down valley. Its all downhill today along the Aruraycocha and Mantacnayoc rivers (streams actually). We pass through stands of rare, original Qeuña woodland. This is the genus Polylepis, home for some of the rarest birds on earth. An Andean Hillstar Hummingbird darts out as we clatter down the rocky trail. Herder's huts and chacras (small farms) become numerous. We pass grazing cows, barking dogs and children coming and going along the trail. Reaching the Sacred Valley at Yanahuara, we ride on through farmlands along the Urubamba River. A final ride along a colonial period lane completes our magical journey. We sadly say good-bye to the cooks, wranglers and hardworking ponies. Tomorrow begin a new adventure! We overnight at our selected 4* country inn. Dinner and good conversation follows...we slip off to our rooms to ponder the mystery of the last Incas before drifting into undisturbed slumber. (B:L:D)

Day 7:  We board the morning narrow gauge train heading down valley. An interesting 2 hours or so of click, clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to our final destination, Machu Picchu and the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, located some 2,000 ft. below Hiram Bingham’s great 1910 discovery. MACHU PICCHU is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial sun, the INCA GOD INTI. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. The day is yours to explore and photograph.
MKACHU PICCHU, one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial sun. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world.
We later meet at the Intihuatana stone. Our guide concludes the story of the raise and fall of the ancient civilizations of the Andes with the tragic end of the Inca and the unresolved mystery that this "lost city" remains. We return to Cusco on the afternoon train. The evening is yours to shop and wander around. We meet for a final dinner then migrate to the Cross Keys, Cusco's only authentic English Pub, for drinks and lively conversation with the resident congregation of guides, expatriates, adventurers, treasure hunters and smugglers from far corners of the universe. (B.L.D)

Day 8:  Free day on your own in Cusco to explore this ancient city and take advantage of the many shopping opportunities, visit museums etc. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weaving and handmade alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. To-morrow begins a new adventure - the Amazon Rainforest B.

Day 9:  Leaving Cusco after breakfast around 7:00am we travel through traditional Quechua communities and through the spectacular eastern ranges of the Andes to the village of Paucartambo, passing snow-peaks and small Andean farmsteads. We will have time here to look around this picturesque village We then ascend to the last pass overlooking the Amazon Basin and begin the breath taking descent from 3500 meters to 1600 meters above sea-level to our comfortable lodge in the orchid laden Cloud Forest. This is a spectacular journey passing cascading waterfalls and multicolored birds along the way. In the late afternoon, we'll walk into the lodge to the sounds of Quetzals, Trogons and Gray-breasted Wood-Wrens. Night at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. B:L:D:

Day 10:  Pre- breakfast walk to a nearby spot in the Cloud Forest where the strange and beautiful Cocks-of-the-Rock display at dawn. This is a wonderful sight, as up to 25 bright red-orange males dance and sing, attempting to attract the favors of the duller, burgundy colored females. After visiting this lek we return to the Lodge for a leisurely breakfast and continue in our all terrain bus to the Madre de Dios River and our motorized dugouts and we begin our journey down the river, past the last folds of the Andes, to it's confluence with the Manu River. We’ll pass settlements and native communities during the trip. Just before we get to the village of Boca Manu we pass the native community of Diamante. Their culture is Piro and this is the largest settlement in the area. Passing the village of Boca Manu we arrive at to-nights destination -a small, locally built and managed lodge. The lodge is across the river from the tiny airstrip of Boca Manu. The two species of Tamarin monkeys are here -the Saddleback and Emperor. The latter with their long, white moustaches are a rare and precious sight. There is a trail system we can explore if time permits. Night at Boca Manu Lodge B:L:D

Day 11:  Well fed and rested we leave Boca Manu, leaving the relatively clean waters of the Madre de Dios River behind, we enter the clay laden waters of the Manu River. With a brief stop at the park ranger station at Limonal to present our permits we travel for about five hours up the Manu. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns and Skimmers to name but a few. Some beaches will host sunning White and Black Caimans (South American relatives of the Alligators)/ and breeding Side-necked Turtles. Hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars roost during the day on logs and beaches and there is a chance of encountering a sunning Jaguar - the world’s third largest cat. In 2007 one in three of our trips saw Jaguar in Manu. We will see some species of primate on this river trip, possibly Red Howler Monkeys or the smaller Squirrel Monkeys. After having lunched by the river we arrive at the Casa machuguenka Lodge. We'll have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the pristine rainforest in the area. A visit to the lake of Cocha Otorongo is planned, where observation piers and a 20 meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for observing wildlife. We will also be on the lookout for a large family of Giant Otters that inhabit this lake. Before or after dinner an optional excursion into the forest at night is available with your guide in search of nocturnal creatures. The lakes are full of eye-shine of the large Black Caiman and if we are lucky we may encounter an Olingo, Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. Certainly the nighttime noise of tree frogs and insects in the forest is an experience not to be forgotten. Night at our tented camp. There are shared flush toilets and ambient temperature shower facilities and screened twin rooms with comfortable beds and mosquito nets. B:L:D

Day 12: After breakfast we'll spend the morning at the lake of Cocha Salvador. Some of the time will be spent canoeing the lake on a floating platform observing ox-bow lake animal life from the water. We may encounter an Agami Heron or a Sungrebe and Brown Cappuchin Monkeys are usually feeding on fruits nearby. Specially constructed piers that jut out into the lake enable us to look for a family of Giant Otters that live here. These, the world’s largest freshwater carnivores, remain common only in Manu, having been hunted to extinction throughout most of their former range. Each animal consumes between 4 and 5 kilos of fish daily and often they can be seen eating large fish on logs at the lakeside. The rest of the day will be spent walking the trails in the area in search of some of the 13 species of Monkey found in the forest here. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local, indigenous groups. We may cross paths with a group of Peccaries - a species of wild boar found here. A late afternoon swim in the river near the camp as the sunsets. Night at our tented camp. B:L:D.

Day 13:  Today we'll walk very slowly from camp for 4-5 hours through the forest to Cocha Otorongo. We may encounter troops of Monkeys. This is a particularly good trail for Woolly and Black Spider Monkeys. We'll pay special attention to the plant life on this walk and take it slowly listening for the rustle of vegetation or the soft sound of fruits falling to the rainforest floor that may betray the presence of animals or large birds. We'll be met at the river by our cook with a picnic lunch and then board our motorized dugout for the 4 hour trip down river to Boca Manu for the night. The river trip may hold surprises and we'll be attentive for any wildlife on the beaches. Night at the lodge at Boca Manu. B:L:D

Day 14:  This morning we have time to explore the small trail system at the lodge before heading across the river to the tiny airstrip of Boca Manu. We’ll take the 45 minute flight over seemingly endless rainforest and then over the Andes, passing glaciers and snow peaks to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco where our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The afternoon is set aside to relax and enjoy the historical city B:

Day 15:  Enjoy Cusco - then transfer to the airport for your flight home. B

B= Breakfast   L=Lunch  D=Dinner  (included)

    Subject to changes

Rates and Dates for Machu Picchu & Amazon

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Cusco
Airport: Cusco/Lima
Transfer: Cusco

Climate:

This is a trip of great contrasts. In the high altitude it can get very chilly, even into the 30's at night and then zoom into the 70's during the day. When we descend into the cloud forest, the temperature rises into the 80's. Although the dry season normally persists April through November, it can rain (or snow at high altitudes) at any time.

Note: Due to the high elevations the nights can be quite cold – do come prepared and bring a good sleeping bag!