Amazon & Inca Trail, A Peru Tour including Machu Picchu and the Amazon Jungle
Duration: 12 days
4-12 Travelers: $2535 per person
2-3 Travelers: $2835 per person
This amazing Peru travel package takes you through the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, to the hidden city of Machu Picchu and along the legendary Inca Trail. One of the most popular of our Peru Tours, your explorations begin in the Amazon, where experienced naturalist guides will lead you on exciting jungle treks and canoe trips downriver, while teaching you about this fascinating region's ecological wonders. Along the Inca Trail, you will marvel at engineering feats that attest to the advanced civilization of this ancient people. Then explore the compelling ruins of Machu Picchu. This fascinating Peru tour was designed for explorers and adventurers alike who seek the journey of a lifetime.
Private departures for the Amazon & Inca Trail trip may be arranged. Please contact us about the details and costs involved.
Amazon & Inca Trail Tour Itinerary
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Day 1 (Wed) LIMA
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Arrive in Lima where you will be transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, we'd be happy to arrange optional museum visits or tours of the city and surrounding area.
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Day 2 (Thu) LIMA - PTO MALDONADO - AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Sandoval Lake Lodge depending on availability.
Today your exotic Peru ecotour begins with a flight to the Amazon city of Puerto Maldonado. A one-hour motorized-canoe ride up the Tambopata River brings you to the lodge, where you unpack and unwind. Receive a short welcome orientation and a complete briefing on the lodge and Ecotourism Project before the afternoon activity, climbing the Canopy Tower. The Canopy Tower's 115-ft. scaffolding offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding forest. (B, L, D)
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Day 3 (Fri) AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Sandoval Lake Lodge depending on availability.
Rise at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After an early breakfast, you'll leave from Posada Amazonas by boat followed by a short walk to get to the lake shore. From here you'll take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake, scouting for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Return to the lodge trails in time to visit a small parakeet clay lick, a must-see sight on any Peru tour. Dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of parakeets congregate here on clear days to ingest clay, creating an incredible photo opportunity. In the afternoon, visit the ethno-botanical center and hike the trails around the center accompanied by a resident who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and textiles. Return to the lodge for the evening. (B, L, D)
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Day 4 (Sat) PTO MALDONADO - CUSCO
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Make an early departure down river to Pto. Maldonado and then transfer to the airport for the short flight to colonial Cusco, in the heart of the Inca Empire. On the way to your hotel, Southern Explorations guides will take you on a quick tour of picturesque Plaza de Armas. After check-in, you will have the rest of the day free to relax and adjust to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
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Day 5 (Sun) CUSCO
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The morning begins with a guided walking tour of the local markets of Cusco and the city's other major sights, the colonial cathedral, and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a break for lunch, your Peru travel continues as you depart for an afternoon tour of nearby temples and visit some distinctive Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuamán with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the Inca capital from attacks, and the Tambo Machay water temple. An evening briefing session orients you to the upcoming trek. (B)
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Day 6 (Mon) CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY
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Embark upon a day-long guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley, as majestic today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Along the way, your Peru ecotour takes you through Inca terracing climbing steep valley walls, coming to jagged granite peaks with the ruined temples of Pisac in the foreground that make dramatic photos. Then explore the tiny village of Pisac, home to one of the best textile markets in the Andes. After lunch, reach Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with a commanding Inca fortress where you'll spend the night at a hotel. (B)
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Day 7 (Tue) SACRED VALLEY - PAUCARCANCHA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Wake up early for the next leg of your exciting Peru tour. Today’s travels start with an early morning bus ride to Km 82, where the Inca Trail trek begins. After meeting our porters you'll cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. Continue along the winding path that borders the sloping river banks with a stunning view of the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica (18,745 ft). The route goes through the narrow Cusichaca valley, where imprints of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices may be seen. As you reach the day's destination, you'll pass the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft), to arrive at the campsite in the archaeological zone of Paucarcancha. (B,L,D)
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Day 8 (Wed) PAUCARCANCHA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Along the narrow valley trail, you'll come to a cloud forest where the rare Queñua tree grows. From here, the trail ascends sharply to large area of pampas below the first pass. Camp overnight at Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft), where you awake to the breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay on this inspiring stretch of your Peru ecotour. (B,L,D)
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Day 9 (Thu) LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PHUYUPATAMARCA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Physically, this is the trek's most rigorous day, as the trail ascends steeply toward Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft), then descending to the Pacaymayo River, climbing slowly again to pass the ruins of Runkuraqay. The next pass takes you to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft). Along the way, you'll observe a marvel of Inca engineering before coming upon the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft), where you camp for the night. (B,L,D)
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Day 10 (Fri) PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU
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Today's Peru tour takes you along the flagstone trail that begins at the Phuyupatamarca ruins and winds sharply down into the cloud forest and the well-preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft.) The next two-hour segment brings you finally to Machu Picchu (7,800 ft), entering through Intipunku, the Sun Gate. After an introductory tour, stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
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Day 11 (Sat) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS MARKET - CUSCO
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The morning is dedicated to exploring extraordinary Machu Picchu, where you can decide to adventure on your own with a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, a trek to the Sun Gate, or a walk through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. The afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will travel to the Chinchero Artisan Market, home to some of the best textiles in the country. Here the local weavers will provide a brief introduction to their craft and its historic roots before you can stroll the market in search of the perfect last-minute gifts. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon for your last night in the heart of the Inca Empire. (B)
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Day 12 (Sun) CUSCO - LIMA - RETURN HOME
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and the connecting international flight where your Southern Exploration services end. We offer a variety of trip extensions in Lima and Cusco as well as to other regions. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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Inca Trail Trip Notes
Inca Trail regulations limit to 500 the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail each day. Since Inca Trail permits are issued on a "first-come, first-served" basis only, booking early is essential. In order to make the necessary arrangements, those considering an Inca Trail tour between May and October should provide Southern Explorations with their full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately.
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Details about hiking the Inca Trail
Our Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours include five to six hours of hiking each day, allowing you to set your own pace. To give our guests more time for photography, observation and discovery, we free you from the weight of a large backpack. You carry only a small daypack with essentials, while porters carry additional clothing, personal effects and camping equipment. We provide North Face tents and air mattress sleeping pads.
A hot cup of tea and a bowl of hot water for washing are brought to your tent each morning. Meals of beef, chicken and fresh vegetables as well as vegetarian fare are prepared by expert trail cooks who have years of experience.
Treks begin around 8AM so that most of each day's trip can be made before lunchtime, reaching the campsite by mid-afternoon, so you have plenty to enjoy your surroundings. This Machu Picchu hike is a trekker's dream.
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
TOURS AND TRAVEL
CONTACT A BOOKING AGENT
CALL
1.877.784.5400
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OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Wednesday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
August
Contact Us!
September
Contact Us!
October
22-11/2
November
19-30
December
24-1/4/09
10 Spaces Left!
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Wednesday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
January
01/21-02/01
February
Trail closed
March
11-22
April
15-26
May
13-24
June
10-21
July
1-12
August
5-16
September
2-13
October
7-18
November
4-15
December
12/23-01/03
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers in private Van
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- Entrance fees for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear
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- North Face tents - three person
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- Air mattresses
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- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent
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- Hot water in the morning for washing
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- Drinking water through out the trek
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- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle
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- Satellite Phone Communication
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round-trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $395 (Lima/Pt. Maldonada/Cusco/Lima)
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Sleeping bag
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Amazon & Inca Trail Accommodation:
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6 nights hotels
2 nights Amazon Lodge
3 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $475
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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Duration: 12 days)
Rise at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After an early breakfast, you'll leave from Posada Amazonas by boat followed by a short walk to get to the lake shore. From here you'll take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake, scouting for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Return to the lodge trails in time to visit a small parakeet clay lick, a must-see sight on any Peru tour. Dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of parakeets congregate here on clear days to ingest clay, creating an incredible photo opportunity. In the afternoon, visit the ethno-botanical center and hike the trails around the center accompanied by a resident who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and textiles. Return to the lodge for the evening. (B, L, D)
)
Today's Peru tour takes you along the flagstone trail that begins at the Phuyupatamarca ruins and winds sharply down into the cloud forest and the well-preserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft.) The next two-hour segment brings you finally to Machu Picchu (7,800 ft), entering through Intipunku, the Sun Gate. After an introductory tour, stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
