Machu Picchu and the Amazon

Itinerary

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 our jungle lodge listening to an orchestra of wildlife all around you, and hike the Inca Trail (or catch the scenic train) to Machu Picchu. With the region’s leading experts as your guide, the sky’s the limit in this inspiring place.

This trip is offered in partnership with
G Adventures.

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Accommodations:Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive G Lodge Amazon located in the lush Tambopata Rainforest.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambopata G Lodge (or similar)

Enjoy guided jungle excursions led by expert naturalists to spot wildlife at nearby oxbow lakes, rivers, and clay licks. Take advantage of free time to relax or swim, and go on a caiman-spotting cruise after dinner.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambopata G Lodge (or similar)

Travel by boat out of the jungle to Puerto Maldonado for a 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.

Meals Included:Breakfast

Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

Enjoy a full day exploring the Sacred Valley with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures-supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a network of rural agricultural communities working to preserve more than 700 species of potatoes. Learn about potato cultivation and traditional weaving, and the importance of each to Andean culture. Next, explore the Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in the village of Huchuy Qosqo.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations:Villa Urubamba (or similar)

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (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 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar)

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 on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. 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.

Meals Included:Breakfast

Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:Breakfast

Alternate Routes

Lares Trek
Cusco Stay

Lares Trek

Please see days 6-9 for alternate route details.

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Accommodations:Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to the comfortable, intimate, and exclusive G Lodge Amazon located in the lush Tambopata Rainforest.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambopata G Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Tambopata G Lodge (or similar)

Meals Included:Breakfast

Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations:Villa Urubamba (or similar)

Depart Ollantaytambo by van to Lares town where the hike begins. Spend the first night at a G Adventures-supported campsite in Cuncani.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Cuncani Camp Site (or similar) (or similar)

Start early to hike from the foothills of Sicllaccasa Mountain to its high pass (4,750m/15,583 ft), providing scenic views of lagoons and the snow-capped Chicon Mountain. Celebrate after reaching the highest point by making an offering of coca leaves to the Andean gods. After the morning hike, stop to rest and take in the amazing view. Continue hiking downhill to our second campsite near the stream for the night.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:Suttoq Pacchaq Camp Site (or similar) (or similar)

Enjoy the last few hours of hiking before travelling by van to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes. Spend some time relaxing in town or visiting the nearby hot springs.

Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations:Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar) (or similar)

Enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise. Use some free time to explore the ruins on your own. Later, travel back to Cusco.

Meals Included:Breakfast

Accommodations:Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar) (or similar)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:Breakfast