Amazonas – Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 14 Days
Embark on a life-changing adventure through the heart of South America. Traverse the lush Amazon rainforest, conquer the legendary Inca Trail, and witness the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This 14-day journey is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of these iconic destinations.
Your unforgettable adventure begins now!
Overview
Explore the Amazon, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu in 14 Days
Embark on a unique and fascinating adventure, visiting three iconic destinations that capture the essence of South America: the majestic Amazon rainforest, the mystical Inca Trail, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This itinerary has been specially designed to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural beauty of these incomparable places.
A journey that combines exploration, adventure, and natural wonders, taking you deep into the heart of South America.
Begin Your Adventure in Lima, Peru
Start your journey in Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima, where colonial history meets modern-day charm. Wander through the city’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in the world-renowned Peruvian cuisine, famous for its bold flavors and unique dishes.
Puerto Maldonado – The Heart of the Amazon
Continue your adventure in the lush Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado, where you’ll immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Explore the jungle, spot exotic wildlife, and experience the raw beauty of one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Cusco & The Inca Trail
Travel to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and soak in the blend of Inca history and colonial architecture. Embark on the legendary Inca Trail, a breathtaking trek through stunning landscapes, reaching the ancient city of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
Stand in awe at the mesmerizing Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andes, and feel the ancient energy of this architectural marvel. Explore its terraces, temples, and winding paths, taking in views that will stay with you forever.
An Unforgettable Experience
Every stage of this journey has been meticulously crafted to provide you with comfort, exclusivity, and moments that will stay with you forever. From the mystique of Machu Picchu to the magic of the Amazon, this itinerary showcases the best of South America.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, where every day is a unique chapter in an unforgettable story!
The price refers to travel during the low season for a minimum of two people with accommodation in a double room.
Highlights
- Amazonas - Inca Trail & Machu Picchu 14 Days
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Lima.
Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to the Hotel Jose Antonio or similar.
Day 2 :
Lima City tour.
You will visit the modern and colonial parts of the city of Lima, known as The City of Kings, starting with the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Once there, you will visit the impressive Santo Domingo Convent, which will astonish you with its colonial style. Then, you will walk to the Plaza de Armas, where you can take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it. Upon leaving the Historic Center, you will head towards the Larco and gold Museum, which houses the incomparable Treasures of Ancient Peru private collection. Overnight at Hotel Jose Antonio or similar. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 :
Rainforest Puerto Maldonado
Lima – Puerto Maldonado. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport to board the departure flight. Arrival and transfer to the Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Jungle lodge Corte Mates 4 Days & 3 Nights.
Day 1. - Arrival: Reception at the airport with transfer to our office, which is located in the center of Puerto Maldonado. Any luggage that you do not require during your stay in the rainforest can be safely kept in our storage room. This is to facilitate the transport by boat to the lodge. We will embark for our lodge traveling on the river-vessel “Puerto de Capitanía”. It is 40 minutes of navigation on the Madre de Dios River. After arrival at the facilities of the Lodge Corto Maltes Amazonía you will be received with refreshments made from seasonal fruits. Later, your guide will give you the necessary information for your stay and hand over the keys to your bungalow and security safe, followed by the lunch and some time to rest until the first excursion.
Trek and visit the Shiringuero Camp: 3:30 pm. Depart for your first contact with the jungle. You will be accompanied by your guide, who will show you the tropical trees, medicinal plants and other aspects of the exuberant nature among the 60 hectares of Brazil nut concession that Corto Maltés Amazonia stewards. Visit a shiringuero encampment, which is another one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region. This is a reproduction of a real camp, in which you can see the process of collecting rubber (better known as latex), and see how it is used for many products. The time for this trek is 2 hours.
Free Time: Back at the Lodge you can relax by the pool or in the hammocks on the terrace of your bungalow, savor an exotic cocktail at the bar, enjoy a relaxing massage by our qualified staff, visit our shop for a handcrafted souvenir of the rainforest or head to the riverside to view the breathtaking sunset.
Caiman safari: 7:00 pm. Before dinner, we will leave for a nocturnal boat trip to observe caimans and, with a bit of luck, other animals which populate the riverbank at night.
Dinner: 8:00pm dinner in our riverside dining room.
Day 4 :
Rainforest.
Day 2.- Breakfast: Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for Lake Sandoval. Your guide will hand out a bagged breakfast and snack for the excursion.
Lake Sandoval: 6:00 am: After roughly 20 minutes of travel on the river Madre de Dios, we arrive at the landing stage of Lake Sandoval. During a 3 km hike through the wild vegetation, we will enter the territory of Tambopata National Reserve, where you will have the chance to admire giant trees, different snakes, monkeys (squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys) and various birds (notably the Hoatzin – also known as the stink bird-, kingfishers and snakebirds).
Once on Lake Sandoval, we will embark in small rowboats in search of giant river otters. We will
also have the possibility to spot a good number of other reptiles, mammals and birds in their natural habitat. When the guide finds an opportune spot where you can continue to observe the nature, we will eat breakfast. For the return trip, make sure you have gathered your belongings and we will row back to the pier.
Lunch: 1:30pm. Return to the Lodge for lunch.
Visit to the Lookout tower and a Brazil nut harvesting camp: 3:30 pm. We will visit of one of the two lookout towers of Corto Maltès Amazonía, with a height of 20 and 42 meters and designed for bird watching and the viewing of other types of animals living at this altitude in the canopy. In addition, you will enjoy an incredible view of the sunset. (The guide will consult with the guests on their preferences and adapt this excursion accordingly.) There will also be a visit to a Brazil nut camp, where harvesters stay for the duration of the season. The Brazil nut (also known as castaña, as it is known locally) is one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region.
Free time: You will then have some free time to enjoy the pool or a massage, get refreshed at the bar or visit our souvenir shop. Dinner: 8:00pm. Dinner
Day 5 :
Rainforest.
Day 3.- Breakfast: 8:00am. Breakfast
Chacra: 9:00am. After a 20-minute boat trip down-river, we will arrive at a chacra, which is a farm owned by a local family. Here we will recognize and even taste different seasonal tropical fruits as well as other native products (cacao, banana, cocona, bread-fruit, noni, yucca, lime...)
This place belongs to a typical rural family who maintain with care and without chemicals some native plants that grow naturally. They sell their products in the main markets of Puerto Maldonado for consumption. Once finished the visit we will return to take the boat, and after about 20 minutes we will arrive at the land of a native Machiguenga family.
Native Machiguenga Family: 12:00pm. The Machiguenga are one of the many ethnic groups that exist in the Peruvian Amazon. A family of native Machiguenga will receive us for a visit. They will show us the cultural value of their ancestors, as well as language and customs, including traditional clothes, hunting gear, handicrafts and the music they play during ayahuasca ceremonies. They will teach us how to take advantage of natural products to make tools, and what they use to make their houses, dresses and ornaments, each important for their daily life.
Lunch: 1:00pm. We will share lunch with the Machiguenga family in a typical construction and enjoy an indigenous dish from the jungle.
Free time: 2:00pm. Return to the lodge to relax and have free time to visit the boutique, refresh in the pool, have a cocktail in the bar or have a relaxing massage.
Dinner: 8:00 pm. Dinner.
Day 6 :
Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
Day 4.- Clay Lick: Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for a 20-minute walk to the clay lick, where you will have the possibility to observe 3 to 5 types of parrots.
The parrots come to the clay lick to ingest a particular kind of clay, only found in certain areas of this region. The clay is vital for the metabolic regulation of the birds, and therefore is host to a colorful and veritably delightful and exciting event.
Breakfast and free time: 8:00 am. Breakfast and free time
Visit of the local city market: After breakfast, we will return to the city of Puerto Maldonado by boat. One of our vehicles will receive you at the port. After a short stop at our office, we will drive to the local market where the local population supplies itself with foods and other products. During a short visit of around 20-minutes, you will be able to appreciate the different typical products of the area. We will then head to the airport to check-in for your respective flights.
*The order and schedules of the excursions can be modified according to your guide, and as seen fit through coordination with the management by considering the physical condition of the passengers, and the climate of the moment.
Puerto Maldonado - Cusco: Transfer to the airport. Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to the Hotel San Agustin or similar. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7 :
Cusco City Tour.
Visit to the city of Cusco, also called the Imperial City, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The excursion starts at Koricancha temple, an ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the sun god, on the site of which the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day. Then to the Main Square, where you will visit the cathedral, the most important religious building in the city. Overnight at Hotel San Augustin or similar. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8 :
The Sacred Valley.
Get to know the Sacred Valley. Stop at a viewpoint to admire the beautiful natural scenery. You will also go to Moray to see the enormous circular terraces that were used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory. This is followed by the Maras salt pans, which produce the finest salt in the world, used by great international chefs. A delicious lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch you will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most imposing building complexes of the Inca Empire and the site of one of the Spanish Conquistadors' rare strategic defeats. Famous for its terraced fields (cut into the hillsides), Ollantaytambo was an effective fortress as well as a religious centre. Overnight at Hotel Sol Natura. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 :
Inca Trail 4 days.
Cusco - KM 82 - Wayllabamba – Yuncachimpa. we will leave Cusco (3350m/10990f) at 5:30 am by tourist bus to and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we reach our starting point km 82, we make a short break in Ollantaytambo for having the option to get breakfast. The official beginning of the Inka Trail is called km 82. Here we will meet the rest of the group and take care of the registration facilities. After crossing the Rio Urubamba (2200m) we will start the legendary Inca Trail.
The first day the trail is easy to walk and a good warm up for the fallowing days. In Miskay we’ll have lunch at a small river bank while getting some information about the archaeological complex of Llactapata. After that, we will continue our hike to Wayllabamba (3100m/10170f) and ascend to Yuncachimpa (3300m/10826f), the camping site we will spend the night in. From here, we have a great view of the mysterious Nevado de Veronica.
Level of difficulty: normal - medium Hiking time: 8 hours Total distance: 14 km approx.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10 :
Yuncachimpa - Llulluchapampa - Warmihuañusca pass – Pacaymayu - Runkurakay pass - Chaquicocha.
The second day is the ‘Free-Hike-Day’; that means, that everybody should walk in his/her own pace – of course you will meet during the small breaks or see each other while beating the stairs. Early in the morning the trails first leads through the Valley of Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631f). The first 3km are step - enjoy the humid woodland and the water sounds. From Llulluchapampa fallow the way for 2-3 hours until you crest the highest point of this section, the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman Pass) (4200m/113780f). This climb is known as the most difficult part of the Inca Trail. After a short break at the summit, you continue your hike down with a long and steep descent to the river Pacaymayu (Sunrise River) at 3500m/11480f) towards the Runkurakay pass (3950m/12916f) until you reach our camping site called Chaquicocha at (3650m/11975f).
Here you can relax your body from the tough day while enjoying an amazing view over the mountains. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Level of difficulty: challenge Hiking time: 9 hours Total distance: 16 km approx.
Day 11 :
Chaquicocha - Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna.
The third day is the most beautiful one. You can notice a change in the eco-system while walking to the tropical forest of Wiñaywayna. We will pass two small lakes at the top of the second pass (3950m/12959f). It’s a gentle climb through beautiful cloud forest and a small Inca tunnel before the third pass (3700m/12139f) offers a grand view over the Rio Urubamba Valley. The nearest settlement is named Phuyupatamarca/"Town above the clouds" (3600m/11811f).
A well preserved site with long chain Inca baths where one can enjoy impressive ancient engineering. We pass another Inca Tunnel before visiting the ruins of Wiñaywayna/"Forever young" (2650m/8694f). The Inca stairs change into a zigzag trail until you reach a red-roofed white building, our last camping site, and also a location with hot water (5S) and bottled drinks. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Level of difficulty: normal - unforgettable (easy) Hiking time: 5 hours Total distance: 10 km approx.
Day 12 :
Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Day 12. Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco
After our breakfast at 4:30 am, we will head - equipped with our flashlights - to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) at 2700m/8858f to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The last triumphal descent will take you almost one hour before we visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) around 8.00am. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings.
After this tour you will have enough time to explore the archeological site on your own (f.ex. go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Wayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture). A bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. Here you can soak away your aches and pain in the town’s hot springs. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.Train back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
Overnight at Hotel San Agustin or similar. Meals: Breakfast.
Level of difficulty: normal - unique (easy) Hiking time: 2-3 hours Total distance: 5 km approx.
Day 13 :
Cusco.
Day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel San Agustin or similar. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 14 :
Home.
Transfer to the airport. Meals: Breakfast.
The Trip Cost Includes
- All excursions with professional guide English – Spanish
- All transfer and Excursions mentioned in the program
- Accommodation at your selected hotel with breakfast
- Meals mentioned in the program (B: Breakfast, BL: Boxed lunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance Fees (As described in itineraries)
- Service 24/7
- Inca Trail 4 Days (Group departure)
- INCLUDED: Pre-briefing time at 19hrs in our office 1 or 2 days before your date departure (It has to be confirmed at the booking time).
- • Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to km 82
- • Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- • Private transfers from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco
- • Bus going downhill from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes where the train station is situated.
- • Entrance fees to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu
- • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- • Camping equipment (professional two-person’s tents: Doite, model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kg or Eureka tent; sleeping
- mats, dining tent equipped with a table and chairs, a sanitary tent)
- • Cook, cooking equipment, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners). Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit and
- spaghetti, chicken, fish, meat and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and very suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leafs tea
- which is excellent for the altitude
- • Tea and snack time everyday (tea, coffee, wantan, popcorn, cracker)
- • Porters to carry the main luggage (all the camping equipment and cooking stock)
- • Porters to carry the mattress
- • First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Flight
- Meals or beverages not detailed in the itineraries (only if meals apply)
- Tips (Not mandatory)
- Personal Expenses
- Optional Excursions
- Travel Insurance
Frequently asked Questions
What should I pack for this trip?
In the suitcase:
Rain or wind jacket
Warm sweater
Long pants
T-shirts
Clothing for cold nights and warmer days
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Personal hygiene items
Swimsuit
Sandals
Travel medications: pain relievers, band-aids, anti-inflammatory tablets, rehydration tablets, Imodium.
Why is it important to carry a copy of your passport when traveling, and what should you check before traveling?
It is important to carry a copy of your passport when traveling for several reasons:
*Identification as a tourist: In many countries, it is required by law for tourists to be able to identify themselves at all times. A copy of your passport allows you to comply with this requirement.
*Security in case of loss: If you lose your original passport, having a copy will make the process of replacing it or reporting the loss to local authorities much easier.
