MACHU PICCHU, THE AMAZON & INCA TRAIL option
Lima to Cusco with optional Inca Trail trek
Introduce yourself to the best of Peru’s natural wonders and local culture on a 10-day adventure. Get in touch with the Andean past in the former Inca capital of Cusco, spend two unforgettable nights in a jungle lodge listening to an orchestra of wildlife all around you, and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
(Non-hikers catch the scenic train to Cusco for the duration of the hike). With the region’s leading experts as your guide, the sky’s the limit in this inspiring place. This is the perfect trip for parties where some travelers wish to hike the Inca Trail, and some do not. Maximum 16 travelers in each group.
from $2699
per person sharing
10
days
PRICE INCLUDES:
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
Arrival transfer. Three-day (2 nts) excursion to an exclusive rainforest lodge. Sacred Valley tour. Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train. Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare; tipping; meals unless noted otherwise, personal expenses
GRACE NOTES:
Giveback: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay.
ITINERARY:
DEPARTURES: Year round
Day 1: Lima
Transferred to your hotel on arrival.
Day 2: Lima - Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive Amazon Lodge located in the lush Tambopata Rainforest. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Tambopata
Enjoy guided jungle excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes, rivers, and clay licks. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the local swimming hole then go for a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Tambopata - Cusco
Travel by boat out of the jungle to Puerto Maldonado for the flight over the Andes and into the heart of Inca territory, Cusco. This evening, look to the night sky for a different view at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Visit the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars. (B)
Day 5: Cusco - Urubamba
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley including the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Visit the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”), Giveback project. Walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture. Also, enjoy lunch at Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, another Giveback project in an indigenous village. (B,L)
Day 6: Inca Trail
Hikers depart Ollantaytambo by van to Km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into things with a straight forward day of hiking, the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins will give you plenty to look at.
Non hikers take the scenic train ride to Cusco, where they are based for the duration of the hike. There is plenty to see and do in Cusco. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 13,769 ft. Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 13,113 ft where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 12,136 ft. On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 11,972 ft, reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 8,694 ft. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Machu Picchu - Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore until noon as allowed by the permit. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.
Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon. (B)
Day 10: Cusco
End of arrangements. (B)