Peru Expedition: Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest

Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival at Lima airport, a dedicated driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. Please note that this driver has a basic understanding of English, but we anticipate that this won’t pose any issues.

Later in the afternoon and evening, we curated a sensory journey through Peru’s three primary geographical regions: the jungle, highlands, and coast. The experience begins by introducing you to the unique products of each region, allowing you to savor exotic fruits and cocoa. Our culinary exploration then takes you to the jungle, where you’ll indulge in delightful offerings from the lesser-known cuisine. The next stop brings us to the Andes, exploring the diverse array of grains and tubers in Andean cuisine. Lastly, we’ll dive into the flavors of the sea, savoring mainly fish and seafood, before concluding with a delightful array of desserts.

Lima also means entertainment: there’s a vibrant gay scene with bars and nightclubs waiting to be discovered.

Today we set off for Puerto Maldonado. A boat ride through the forest awaits us, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the wildest nature. An incredible experience!

During this two-and-a-half-hour upstream boat ride, we will traverse the community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve checkpoint. Then we will venture into the buffer zone of this expansive 1.3 million-hectare natural reserve. Along the way, we may delight in observing wildlife; with a stroke of luck, we might also encounter the first families of capybaras in this area.

Tambopata stands out as the world’s premier hotspot for macaws, an absolute must. Into the Tambopata National Reserve we’ll witness one of the renowned macaw clay licks. The two-hour boat ride from the lodge and into the national reserve not only provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife sightings but also leads you to this exceptional clay lick.

This particular clay lick is frequently visited by three species of large, vibrant macaws, along with numerous other parrots and parakeets. Your guide will assist you in identifying the birds congregating at the clay lick, offering insights into the surrounding wildlife both there and along the river. Binoculars and a provided spotting scope will bring you even closer to the fascinating world of wildlife.

Are you acquainted with Brazil nuts, that delectable dried fruit? Today, we’re in for an exploration of their origins. We’ll be visiting a Brazil Nut camp located very close to our accommodation, where we’ll witness the towering chestnut trees from which these nuts originate. Additionally, we’ll gain insights into how the local community harvests them annually during the rainy season months. For the residents of Puerto Maldonado, these chestnuts serve as a primary source of income, making this activity one of the most impactful sustainable endeavors. Eager to delve into the diverse offerings of nature? This experience is sure to enlighten you. We’ll traverse a trail of medicinal plants, introducing you to a broad spectrum of flora that locals have relied upon for years to promote healing for both the body and soul. Some of these may be familiar to you, such as Sacha-Ajos, Uña De Gato, Sacha – Charcot, Para-Para, Ayahuasca, just to name a few

In the morning, we’ll return to Puerto Maldonado airport for your journey to the next destination, Cusco! (In case there’s no direct flight available, we’ll fly via Lima.)

Upon reaching Cusco, we’ll proceed with our adventure to the Sacred Valley. En route, we’ll make a delightful stop for lunch by the scenic Piuray Lake. Following this, we’ll explore Moray, an awe-inspiring Inca site featuring concentric terraces descending into the hills. Likely used by the Incas to adapt crops to various altitudes, you can stroll around with your guide, capturing memorable photos. Our journey continues with a visit to the Maras salt mines, operational since the Inca era and still in use today. Finally, we’ll reach Ollantaytambo, the most enchanting town in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll spend the night. Later in the afternoon, a briefing on the logistics of the Inca Trail will be provided.

Get ready for an early start today! Around 5:30 am, we’ll be picked up from our accommodation in Ollantaytambo to catch the train on the Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu railway, marking the beginning of our trek. Crossing the Urubamba River on a cable and wood bridge reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the valley and mountain ranges from the get-go.

The trek unfolds with a visit to the impressive Inca ruins of Chachabamba, followed by a 3-hour ascent through picturesque landscapes and beautiful waterfalls until we reach the Wiñaywayna archaeological site. Renowned for its Inca terracing, Wiñaywayna is considered the second most impressive archaeological site in Peru after Machu Picchu.

After a satisfying lunch, the journey continues through a magical cloud forest towards the renowned Inti Punku or Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Here, we’ll be greeted with your first awe-inspiring views of the Lost City of Machu Picchu, nestled among the peaks of the Andes. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing compares to the beauty of witnessing it firsthand for the first time!

The next leg of the adventure involves taking a bus down to the serene town of Aguas Calientes. Here, we can leisurely explore its cobblestone streets adorned with small restaurants and shops, or relax in the nearby hot springs to ease any muscle strains. Prepare for an early night, as tomorrow brings another early start for your return to Machu Picchu!

After getting a tantalizing preview of Machu Picchu yesterday, we’ll catch the morning bus heading towards the entrance of the citadel. As we arrive at Machu Picchu, we’ll take a moment to absorb the breathtaking sight before you. Our guide will provide insights into the Lost City of the Inca, delving into its history and legends. Often dubbed “The Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu stands as one of the world’s most renowned and spectacular archaeological sites. Positioned at an elevation of 2,430 meters above the Urubamba River, it was initiated around AD 1430 as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.

Strategically nestled between deep canyons and the formidable Apus mountains (considered gods by the Incas), Machu Picchu served as a well-hidden and well-protected fortress.

In the afternoon, following lunch at one of Aguas Calientes’ finest restaurants, it’s time to bid farewell to Machu Picchu. We’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation situated in the Sacred Valley.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll immerse ourselves in the daily life of high Andean communities while contributing to their sustainable development.

Our journey commences at Lamay, where we gather and set off for the welcoming community. Upon arrival, families will warmly greet us, sharing their customs and inviting you to engage in a spontaneous agricultural task. Gain insights into the diverse varieties of native plants, crops, and the traditional tools and techniques employed.

Following this enriching activity, we’ll savor a typical lunch crafted from the community’s own produce. In the afternoon, we’ll delve into the intricate world of textile art, an integral aspect of their family dynamics. We’ll engage in conversations with the community’s women, learning about their customs and the vital roles they play in their environment. For those still in high spirits and with ample energy, a potential visit to the archaeological complex of Pisac awaits. Subsequently, our journey continues as we make our way to the city of Cusco. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure

Today we’ll have our exclusive Walking Tour, a delightful journey that unveils the city’s beauty through a leisurely downhill stroll. Begin at the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Qenqo, progress to the majestic ruins of Sacsayhuamán with panoramic city vistas, and wander through the enchanting streets of the San Blas neighborhood before reaching the revered Sun Temple.

Following a delightful local lunch, the afternoon promises a unique cultural workshop. We’ll savor a cocktail crafted from locally produced coffee beans while immersing yourself in a creative session that introduces the traditional Cusco Colonial Gold Leaf technique. We’ll personalize our own Torito de Pucará using this method, complemented by painting techniques that breathe life into your artwork. This immersive experience takes a modern turn with an introduction to augmented reality, adding an exciting dimension to your creative exploration.

Today we’ll have a culinary adventure with a hands-on cooking class in Cusco, guided by a skilled local chef. We’ll prepare traditional Peruvian dishes, savoring the rich flavors and culinary techniques unique to the region. As the class concludes, a dedicated driver will be ready to accompany us to the Cusco airport. Our journey continues with a flight to Lima, providing ample time for check-in before your international departure.