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Hidden under the dense foliage of a highland jungle, forgotten by the Incas
themselves, Machu Picchu escaped the Conquistadors and eluded treasure
hunters. Further exploration uncovered an ancient highway, a royal road
that connected Machu Picchu to Cusco the Inca Capital. We follow the
timeworn grooves of centuries of footsteps and camp with striking views
of the high sierra and dense forest. Next we drive to Manu Biosphere
Reserve, the largest tropical jungle reserve in South America. It
harbours unique wildlife, has the richest diversity of bird life in
the world with over one thousand species of birds recorded. First we reach
Acjanaco, the entrance to Manu at 3500m above sea level, tropical alpine
grassland. Next we continue down the cloud forest till we finally reach
the Amazon basin where our goal is the Caiman Camp in the heart of the
reserve zone, close to Cocha Salvador. Small constructions contain dining
room, kitchen, bathrooms and showers, all built with local materials
and in harmony with the forest. From here, you explore the different
ecosystems, the trails, rivers and oxbow lakes. Your guide will point
out birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects as well as plants
and their medicinal uses.
The Itinerary
Day 1 (Tuesday):
Upon arrival in Lima, you are met by our staff. Transfer to the designated hotel
for trip briefing. Depending on your arrival time, we may
organise a visit of the colonial Lima.
Day 2:
Early morning flight to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, guided tour of the city's main attractions:
cathedral, temple of the sun and nearby Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo
Machay, Kenko and Pucapucara. Return to the hotel for a trip briefing
Overnight in hotel (B).
Day 3:
Drive to the Sacred Valley to visit Pisac market. This is a great opportunity
to meet Quechua Indians, the direct descendant of the Inca, and appreciate
their local customs. Then, we drive along the valley to Ollantaytambo,
where we visit the remains and the town. Return to Cusco. Overnight in hotel (BL).
Day 4:
In the morning, time permitting, we have the option of visiting the
Ollantaytambo remains a second time. Then, we stop at Chilca, where we
meet our porters, who carry all of our luggage and equipment. We
hike along the Urubamba River to the village of Huayllabamba, before
visiting Llactapata ruins, which was an agricultural settlement. Our
first campsite is at 3,000mt-9,840ft. Overnight in Camp (B L D).
Day 5:
From Huayllabamba, we climb towards the highest pass of our journey,
Warmiwanusca (4,270mt-14,000ft), from which we enjoy an excellent view of
the Urubamba mountain range, including Mt. Veronica, the most impressive
peak. Our campsite is in the valley below, on the edge of the Pacaymayo
River. Overnight in Camp (B L D).
Day 6:
Passing the ruins of Runkurakay, we cross our second and final pass,
rewarded with fantastic vistas over the Vilcabamba range. On the way to our
campsite, we have our first view of Salcantay (6,271mt-20,569ft, the
sacred mountain of the Incas. In the afternoon, there is enough time to
explore the ruins of Sayacmarca. We camp just past the impressive
ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Overnight in Camp (B L D).
Day 7:
Continuing our descent, we crosses the ruins of Winaywayna: a series of steep
terraces and fountains carved out of the mountain side. Our trail cross
a dense hanging forest decorated with orchids and groves of bamboo.
While it is still early, we arrive at Inti Punku, the famous sun gate.
Here, we stop to enjoy our first breathtaking view of the "lost city": Machu Picchu (2,475mt-8,118ft). We explore the ruins before
descending to Aguas Calientes to check-in to our hotel. Later, we
can bathe in the nearby natural hot springs.
(B L).
Day 8:
The entire day is dedicated to the thorough exploration of the site.
You have the option to
climb Huayna Picchu ("young peak") from where you have a superb
overview of the ruins. In the afternoon, we take the train back to Cusco through
the Urubamba valley. Reception at the train station
and transfer to our hotel.(B L).
Day 9:
Free day in Cusco to enjoy the atmosphere of this pleasant city and do a bit of shopping. Those joining us for
the June 16th departure enjoy
the Inti Raymi festival, a traditional Inca celebration in honour of the Sun god to welcome the return of longer days (our Christmas equivalent in fact). The day before the city is enjoying itself, and the 24th of June,
several costumed defiles are organised around Cusco as well as a show in Sacsayhuaman, the old Inca fortress overlooking Cusco. Even today the celebration
still holds a specific signification for Cusquenos, and the omen delivered still rule their life. The role of the Inca Emperor may be acted
by the direct descendant of the last Inca Emperor, today....an engineer in Peru. You can either book a reserved seat among other tourists or join the
colourful crowd of thousands of Peruvian that gather on the fortress walls....unforgettable (B).
Day 10:
An early departure from Cusco is necessary to prepare for the full day's
drive from the highlands down into the lush tropical rainforest. Leaving
Cusco, we pass through the town of Paucartambo, known as the region's
folklore centre. The next stop is at the vantage point of Tres Cruces
(3,950m/12,950ft) for an overview of the Amazon Basin. After spending
some time here, we descend through different ecological zones. Along
the way, we may see various types of flora and fauna such as, Oropendola
flowers, butterflies, monkeys, Andean deer and birds like tanagers.
Stopping near the village of Union, we may observe Peru's national bird:
Cock of the Rock and maybe a Spectacled bear- the only bear found in South
America. On arrival at Atalaya, we make our first camp close to the
Alto Madre de Dios River. After dinner we hear a myriad of jungle
sounds, especially monkeys. Night monkeys -the world's only truly
nocturnal monkey- abound here. (B L D).
Day 11:
After our first night of camping, we have a pre-breakfast walk to possibly
see Hoatzins, some strange pre-historic looking birds. After breakfast, the
expedition begins in earnest. We board a 16m/55ft motorized launch
(with cushioned seats, life jackets and shelter tarps) to start the
journey down the upper Madre de Dios River towards Manu National Park.
Adjusting gradually to this exciting jungle environment, we see the
last range of the Andes, the Pantiacolla Mountains, looming in the
distance ahead. We stop and visit the Piro people of Diamante.
This is the largest settlement in the area. A small handcraft shop
there offers hand painted fabrics, necklaces of seeds native to the
region and a small selection of weaving and ceramics. While in
Diamante, we have the distinct privilege of participating in
a sacred Andean ceremony conducted by a local shaman. We
arrive at Boca Manu and possibly meet up with the rest of the
group to continue to Limonal. This is the control checkpoint
to Manu National Park. After registration, we set up camp
and have dinner. Tonight, we take flashlights and walk along
the riverbank. The lakes are full of eye shine of the large
Black caiman and if we are lucky we may encounter an Olingo
Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. Certainly the
nighttime noise of tree frogs and insects in the forest
is an experience not to be forgotten. (B L D).
Day 12:
The day starts with a short, pre-dawn walk to hear the chorus of birds,
monkeys and insects as they greet the day and delineate their territories.
As the sun rises, the eastern skies turn a pale yellow. We might spot a
bat falcon or other predatory birds watching patiently from the treetops
as we wait for breakfast. Beaches, specially in the dry season, are
loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese,
Terns and Skimmers to name a few. Afterwards, the expedition
proceeds upstream, heading toward the heart of Manu National
Park. From this point on, we are journeying through primary
forest where only indigenous tribes live. We begin to see
more birds such as kingfisher, toucan, heron, macaw, parrot,
jabirus and possibly spot some mammals like the tapir, capybara,
several varieties of turtle and the caiman. We may spot a jaguar
on the river's edge. We spend the night at CAIMAN camp near
Cocha Salvador. The camp contains dining room, kitchen,
bathrooms and showers in buildings constructed from local
materials. We are one of the few travel agencies that can
use this exclusive area. (B L D).
Day 13:
This day is fully dedicated to exploring the area near the oxbow lake,
Cocha Salvador. Several trails wind through forests of fichus, palm and
rubber trees. We see several species of flowering plants, birds and
mammals (monkeys, squirrels and small rodents). We may encounter an Agami
Heron or Sungrebe and Brown Cappuchin Monkeys that are usually feeding
our fruits nearby. After lunch, we explore other areas, observing
the footprints and droppings of jungle mammals. Your guide will explain
some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the
medicinal plants of the area used by local indigenous groups. We may
cross paths with a group of Peccaries: species of wild boar found here.
At the lake, there are small canoes available for paddling out to
the lake's centre to quietly observe the wildlife on the shores.
We see the giant river otter in the lake before returning to
camp. This mammal consume between 4 and 5 kilos of fish daily.
Tonight, we take flashlights and explore the jungle looking
for nocturnal monkeys, rodents, etc. (B L D).
Day 14:
We have an early morning start for the 4 to 5 hour walk along the right
bank of the river to visit a different oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo (Jaguar
lake). This is an opportunity to see other species of birds and mammals
that are unique to the area. It's a particularly good trail for the
Woolly Monkey. We may also see the elusive Otorongo or jaguar, for
whom the lake is named. Several species of butterfly, in a multitude
of colours will float past the trail. The Peruvian Amazon boasts more
than 4,000 species of butterflies (the world's largest concentration) with Manu
itself harbouring 1,200 species! A short hike along trails leading
through the forest brings us to an observation platform to watch
birds and wildlife out over the water. Following a different trail,
we return to the riverbank to camp for the night (B L D).
Day 15:
Today, we begin the long downstream journey to Limonal, cruising the Manu
river and passing its smaller tributary: the Pinquen. We arrive at Boca
Manu where the river joins the Alto Madre de Dios. There may be the time
to stop and visit the inhabitants of one of the small settlements to view
their life style. We also visit a small school and participate in the
children's songs and games. Saying goodbye to the camp staff, we board
a twin turbo plane and fly back to the highlands. As we approach Cusco,
we see the rugged mountains and snow-covered peaks of the Andes.
Overnight in hotel (B L).
Day 16:
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight
to Lima airport, and connection with your international flight.
(B).
General Information
Rated: Moderate.
Participant carry a maximum weight of 8 kg/19 lb maximum.
Private services only on the Inca Trail from day 1 to day 9. Services in Manu may be shared.
Fixed Departure dates
2003: Every Tuesday
June 10th departure is a special Inti Raymi, the Inca festival
held the 24th of June in Cusco (day 15). This day, instead of flying to Lima, one or two more days in Cusco can be arranged upon request.
| Tour Tariff | |||||
| Fixed Departure | Private Departure | SGL Supp. | |||
| N° of participants | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| USD | $ 1975 | $ 3107 | $ 2479 | $ 2156 | $ 161 |
| EUR | € 1639 | € 2579 | € 2058 | € 1790 | € 134 |
| GBP | £ 1106 | £ 1740 | £ 1388 | £ 1207 | £ 90 |
Included in price:
Land transportation cost, Domestic flights, all meals indicated on the itinerary (B= Continental breakfast,
L= Lunch or Box Lunch, D= Dinner), vegetarian meals provided on request, tours and transfers
listed in private vehicle with English-speaking local guide and entrance fees, first class camping equipment, porters during the trek,
accommodation at selected standard class hotel (2-4*) with private bathroom, superior and deluxe class available upon request.
Not included:
Meals not stated in itinerary, airport tax, items of personal nature, tips, beverages, sleeping bag
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