Lima to Puerto Maldonado

This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado. As we head to our accommodations, we see beautiful scenery as our guide provides information on animal species indigenous to area, that we may be able to see. Upon arrival at our accommodations and after check-in, the rest of the afternoon is free to choose from the diversity of tours at the Reserva Amazonica. For our first day, we recommend entering the rainforest through a guided tour along the trail system in the natural area of the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, where we discover the wonderful Amazon Basin. At night, we suggest the "River at Night" excursion. Sailing down the Madre de Dios River, we witness the transformation from a diurnal to a nocturnal world: Birds and other diurnal animals give way to species especially adapted to night. After dinner, we can attend a discourse on the experience of living in the rainforest.

Puerto Maldonado

In the morning we make the trip to Sandoval Lake, a paradise on earth where various species of birds and monkeys live together. At the lake, we can observe river otters, caimans, piranhas, and giant paiches. After lunch, we recommend visiting the Canopy Inkaterra. We hike to the rainforest across a network of bridges linking eight observation platforms. We can extend the tour to see the sunset in one of the towers. After climbing down the Canopy, we go on the "Anaconda Hike" along 200 meters of wooden bridges over the Aguajales swamps. In this lush ecosystem, we observe different species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and wild rainforest flora. In addition, it is possible to observe snakes on these wetlands. At night, we attend a presentation on Nature at the Eco Center.

Puerto Maldonado - Gamitana Creek

We enjoy a long walk through the Gamitana Creek exploring the jungle for one hour and a half hours.  Along the winding Gamitana Creek, home to piranhas, caimans, turtles, and birds. We follow this with a brief visit to Gamitana farm to learn more about a model farm in the Amazonian region. After returning to the lodge for lunch, we go on an excursion to Hacienda Concepción, where we see over 200 different plant species and learn about current uses and benefits of local flora. We continue with a canoe ride in search of turtles, nightjars, and exotic herons. At night, we carry on with the "Night Rainforest" excursion going through the trails of Inkaterra Ecological Reserve.

Puerto Maldonado to Cusco

After our breakfast, we depart on our 45-minute return trip, by boat, on the Madre de Dios River to Puerto Maldonado, where we may visit the Butterfly House. Peru boasts the greatest variety of butterflies in the world, with 3,700 known species. Many of these can be seen at the Butterfly House, a showcase for the variety, beauty, and adaptability of these fascinating insects. At the designated time, we transfer to the airport to board our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we are met by  our local guides and transferred to the hotel. We have an afternoon walking tour of the colonial gem of Cusco, starting at the Koricancha Temple that welcomes us with its splendor. The Golden Precinct is the meaning of its name in Quechua; its walls were once lined in gold sheets. We go on to the Main Square to visit the cathedral that houses invaluable colonial works of art. Finally, we walk to Saint Blas, the craftsmen’s quarters, finding midway the Inca Roca Palace, today known as the Archbishop’s Palace, and we have time to appreciate the worldwide famous Stone of the Twelve Angles. This evening we have a buffet dinner and show at a local restaurant and overnight in Cusco.

Cusco to Sacred Valley

Early in the morning, we get away from the crowds to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive colossal citadel surrounded by beautiful landscapes in complete communion with nature. We continue to the Inca shrine of Qenqo, with its awesome altar for sacrifices embedded in the side of the rock. We finally reach the Puca Pucara watchtower and Tambomachay, a monument of noticeable architectural excellence, considered one of the pillars of the Andean view of the world; a box lunch is included. We proceed to a local community for volunteer work and have a chance to make a difference in their lives. We overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Sacred Valley

Today, we visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: A traditional market of Pisac, where we have free time to explore and buy crafts. We have the opportunity to try traditional fare as we pass by the firewood ovens of bread and empanadas. A buffet lunch is provided. In the afternoon, we continue toward Moray with its impressive views, thanks to colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. Its usefulness includes recreating 20 different types of microclimates, measurements which ensured the agricultural production of the empire. We continue on to Maras, the famous and ancient salt mines of the colonial era. The contrast of its white wells with the green valley is impressive and not to be missed; a spectacular postcard of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Finally, we visit Ollantaytambo, a picturesque village continuously inhabited since the Inca period, where we visit its temple of the same name that was used as a fortress during the Inca resistance and from where we will obtain images of the collection. We overnight in the Sacred Valley.

NOTE: This evening we will pack a small bag for our train journey to Machu Picchu (on day 9). For all train journeys, each passenger is allowed 1 bag or backpack which must not exceed 5kg/11lbs and/or 157cm/62 inches (length + height + width). Baggage exceeding these measurements is not allowed. We ask that only the absolute necessities are packed.

Machu Picchu/Cusco

This morning, we are transferred from our hotel to the Ollantaytambo station for boarding the train to Machu Picchu; one of the new seven wonders of the world. We arrive at the Aguas Calientes station where we board a bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, astonishes with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps, and urban areas. Energy is all around us. After a guided visit, we travel back to town for lunch before taking a return train to the Sacred Valley, then on to Cusco where we overnight.

Cusco to Juliaca/Puno

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guide and transfer to the hotel. We overnight in Puno for two nights.

Puno/Lake Titicaca

We have a full day tour to explore Lake Titicaca. First, we visit the Uros, friendly inhabitants of these handmade islands made of totora reeds. Next it’s off to Taquile Island, a place in which the settlers still maintain their ancestral traditions and colorful typical clothes. We have a great opportunity to explore the island and get the best view of the lake. We are provide with a typical local-style lunch on the island. In the afternoon, we return to the city.

Puno to Lima

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima. On arrival, we transfer to Huaca Pucllana restaurant to have a farewell dinner. After dinner, we transfer back to the airport. 

Lima to home city

Early today we depart from Lima and arrive back in the US on the same day.