Adventure: Andes, Amazon & Lake Titcaca

Duration

21 Days

Tour Type

Adventure
City Tour
Couple
Escorted Tour
Explore
Jungle Lodge
Traditional

Group Size

Tour Guide

Amazon Jungle, Perú

Adventure: Andes, Amazon & Lake Titcaca

Overview

Incorporating the best cultural, historical and natural environments of South Peru in and around Cusco. This is a multi-day adventure; that can be fully customised to your requirements; taking you to some of the best Peru adventure sites in the Andes & Amazon Jungle.

Start by landing in Lima and transfer directly, by domestic flight, to Cusco.
Flying down to Cusco, you’ll do a Sacred Valley tour to acclimatise fully with some touring & activities before embarking on a warm-up trek of Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca). Here you’ll trek one of the most intriguing and colourful mountain ranges in Peru.
Then onto the main expedition trek of Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, an epic trek traversing the Apurimac valley taking you through both Incan citadels of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
– Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek: This 65 km trek takes you through lush jungles; deep canyons, and many snow-capped peaks along the way to Machu Picchu. If you’re in for a great Peru adventure, this is one of the most beautiful treks in the Cusco Region.
Peru Amazon Tours – Flying into the Amazon jungle, for some exploration & relaxation after a long trek. This trip is designed for the adventurous; whilst also allowing you to see the best of Tambopata Jungle Reserve wildlife.
Take a domestic flight to Julicaca transferring to Puno to explore the wonderfully cultural islands of Lake Titicaca.
Before heading back by domestic flight to Lima for onward connecting international flights.

Included
Breakfast x 17
Lunch x 13
Dinner x 10
Private Transport – collection & drop-off for all tours and airport transfers
Professional bilingual guide
High-Mountain Cook
Horsemen & mules
All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Walking sticks)
Entrance to Machu Picchu & return trip bus tickets to Aguas Calientes
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes x 1 night
Train tickets to Cusco
Accomodation in Cusco/Lima/Sacred Valley x 7 nights (3-4*)
Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco (Return trip)
Domestic flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (Return trip)

Excluded
International Airfares
Tips for crew
Any additional extras

Joining Arrangements	There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured.
Food & Water	Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment.
Special Diets	We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party.
Trekking Crew	We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together.
Acclimatisation	This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
Preparation	Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning \| Trek Planning
Machu Picchu	An excursion to Machu Picchu is included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco. To be confirmed on reservation.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)	We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. We also have access to on-call health services for your time with us.
Covid-19 (Useful Links)	World Health Organisation \| World Health Organisation – Peru \| Covid-19 Data – Peru \| Covid-19 Daily Statistics
Available Discounts	Throughout 2022 we’re offering a 15% discount for each member of a group larger than 4+
Reservation	Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options.
Customer Service	Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems.

Details

Itinerary

Depending on time of arrival into Lima there are a couple of options: Early morning to mid - afternoon : Transfer to Miraflores or Barranco for overnight Early evening to late evening: Overnight in Ramada Wyndham Costa del Sol

Head to the Lima airport for your transfer flight to Cusco. Remember: you will be 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to drink lots of water. Take a walk through the plaza — if the weather is beautiful, it’s a perfect place to sit and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation. In the evening, take the opportunity to experience Cusco’s celebrated culinary heritage at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a free day to explore Cusco and the surrounding ancient ruins. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets by foot, go for a short hike in the hills outside the city, or simply relax in the mountain sun. Eat lunch at a local Peruvian restaurant and sample local flavors and cooking techniques—crackling pork, pickled vegetables, seasonal flavors, bread baked in earthen ovens, roasted vegetables, and sweet donuts make for a delicious and filling meal. Overnight: Cusco Meals included: Breakfast

Leaving around 7:30 a.m, you begin your journey to Rainbow Mountain. The hike starts from Hanchipata-Quesuno at 3,700 m elevation above sea level. From here, it´s a three hour, uphill hike to reach the famous pass Rainbow Mountain. Once we arrive at the top of Rainbow Mountain, there is enough time to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. It is also possible to view Ausangate Glacier Peak from this point. There are a couple of options here for accommodation. We can camp in a small community Chacco Huayllasca. Located at the bottom of the rocks we climb, which is very picturesque, that also be quite cold, but we have the best equipment to combat the elements. The other option is an overnight stay on a small dairy farm (Tambo Queque Norte) where you can experience a nice warm bed, dinner and farm life. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you'll leave the Ausangate region and transfer to the Apurimac/Choquequirao region in readiness for the expedition that lies ahead. Upon reaching Cachora you'll take the opportunity to rest. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: Cachora

Drive from your hotel in Cusco to the rustic Cachora village where your trek will begin. After having lunch, start your trek by following a switchback trail down into the Apurimac canyon. You’ll stay the night in Chikiska, a small mountainside settlement with beautiful views down into the Apurimac valley.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Chikiska
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from your campsite at Chikiska and continue your trek across the Apurimac River and pass through the communities of Santa Rosa and Maranpata. The steep path passes through territory which can get humid and hot depending on the season. One of the more strenuous days, with dramatic views of the canyon as you approach the ruins of Choquequirao. In the evening, we will arrive at our campsite, located right near the ruins of Choquequirao.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Choquequirao
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at your campsite, head out to visit the ruins. With few other tourists around, explore the main plaza, ritual bath, and inlaid stone llamas at the ruins of Choquequirao. The site sits atop a hill rising 1,600m above the Apurimac and was hidden from the Spanish for centuries until Bingham stumbled upon it before Machu Picchu. The site is yet to be completely excavated, with much of it still shrouded by jungle and cloud forest. In the evening, return to your campsite near the Choquequirao ruins.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Choquequirao
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get ready for the toughest day of the trek. You’ll start by trekking 1,400m downhill from your campsite near Choquequirao to the newly uncovered ruins of Picha Unuyoc, then down to Rio Blanco where you can dip your feet in the refreshing water. You’ll then climb 1,200m back up to Maizal, a beautiful campsite at 3,000 m.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Maizal
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from your campsite in Maizal and hike past long-lost silver mines through the Abra San Juan mountain pass to the highest point of the trek at 4,150m. From here, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba range, then you’ll descend down to the village of Yanama.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Yanama
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins with a climb up to the Yanama Pass (4,668m / 15,315ft) – this is the highest point of this trail. From the pass the mountain track then begins to descend to another small village called Totora (4,100m / 13,450ft). Camping at Totura is the highest altitude campsite you will encounter on this trek expedition. At this point you will be well acclimatised so the altitude won’t be a problem.

Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Totoru
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On your last day of hiking, you’ll walk from your campsite in Lucmabamba through fields and cloud forests along an imperial Inca trail. Llactapata is a small, beautiful set of ruins hidden in the wilderness with a view across to Machu Picchu. Soon you'll arrive at the small town of Santa Teresa, here you can take hot baths to relax after a long trek.

Overnight: Santa Teresa - Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Machu Picchu Travel: From Santa Teresa, you’ll continue down to the Hydroelectric power station, where you can either take a train or hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, mid morning you'll be in good time for the afternoon entrance to Machu Picchu, which is a quieter and more serene time to visit. From Aguas Calientes, it's an easy 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins. This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7,970 ft (2,430 m) and is a masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex. Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed into its original structure, giving visitors a sense for the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel. After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes ready for the return train journey back to Cusco early in the evening.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning we'll collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Cusco Airport. Flying out of Cusco this morning you'll head to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be transferred to Huitoto Lake Lodge by boat. The ride offers terrific views of the jungle and its rich biodiversity. After settling into the lodge, take a jungle walk to observe the fascinating life of nocturnal creatures, including tarantulas, snakes and a variety of insects and birds – take a moment to appreciate the glorious cacophony of the jungle.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart the lodge early on Day 2 to enjoy a brilliant sunrise over Huitoto Lake while listening to the morning songs of macaws and other birds. Then go on a wildlife watching excursion along the Aguajal Trail to spot birds, monkeys and other animals. In the early afternoon, it’s back to the relaxing environment of the lodge to enjoy the lake from the viewpoint. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit an enchanted island on the lake to discover giant trees, insects, birds, alligators and monkeys, such as the coto or howler, capuchin monkey, maquisapa. You can fish for piranhas, croakers and many other types. Finally, take an evening catamaran ride to see alligators inhabiting Lake Huitoto.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take another early morning walk through the forest to look for lion river turtles, alligators and monkeys. Take a close look at the unique plants and trees of the rainforest, including the giant ceiba tree. After breakfast, hike along the Lupuna Trail to observe wildlife and medicinal plants. Halfway along the trail is a salt lick where animals gather. You will have the opportunity to observe white-lipped peccary (a hog-like animal), peccaries and tapirs. More wildlife trips and rides along the lake continue throughout the day. Jacamar, motmots, eagles, toucans and herons are some of the birds commonly sighted along the lake. Leaving late morning you'll journey back by riverboat to Puerto Maldonado in time to catch your connecting flight to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For your last day, you can look around Cusco, visit local Markets like San Pedro and the old artisanal quarters like San Blas.

Meals included: Breakfast

Domestic Flight from Cusco to Juliaca Overnight Puno – Tierra Viva Puno

Between 7.40am and 8am Transfer from the hotel to the port and by motor boat we take you to one of the legendary Uros Islands where you can observe the lives of the Uros people who live on floating reed islands, some only 20 meters in length. After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reach Amantani Island where you'll have the authentic experience of an island homestay. You have the opportunity to trek to the top of the mountain (4,150 m.a.s.l) to see the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata and enjoy the traditional customs of the island people. Food and authentic music prepared and performed by your designated family meals’ lunch, dinner with

Accommodation: Rustic accommodation with family.
Maximum Altitude: 4,150 m.a.s.l.

After breakfast you'll take a short boat ride to the neighboring Taquile Island, where you'll tour around the ruins and visit these beautiful cultures, world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings. After lunch taking the return trip to Puno. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel at around 4pm. Overnight Puno - Tierra Viva Puno

Transfer from Puno to Juliaca Airport for your connecting domestic flight back to Lima and you onward connecting international flight out. It's never goodbye, only until the next time!!