INCAS & THE AMAZON (PRIVATE DEPARTURE FAMILY HOLIDAY)

Itinerary

Day 1

Start Lima.

Day 2

Lima. In the afternoon we take a city tour of Lima including visits to both the modern and colonial aspects of the city.

Day 3

To the jungle! Early start for the flight to Puerto Maldonado, a small jungle town, where we will meet our guide. We then go by river (approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the river) to the jungle lodge in the Tambopata Reserve. Tambopata National Reserve (when combined with Manu Reserve) constitutes the largest protected rainforest area in Amazonia. Home to the greatest bio-diversity anywhere in the world, this is a truly important part of mankind's natural heritage.
On the way we may see caiman (alligators), river turtles, capibara and a wide variety of birdlife.

Day 4 - 5

Jungle exploration. There is a choice of activities today depending upon what mosts interests you. Some may choose to take a walk in the forest area, or take a hike of varying duration to one of the owbow lakes in the area. Alternatively we can visit a local "colonos" (settlers' farm) where subsistence crops are cultivated and citrus or papayas trees are grown. During all of these activities you are shown about the jungle's flora, fauna and how people in the area manage it.

Day 6

To the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A dawn start is required for the boat trip back to Puerto Maldonado, giving memorable views of the sunrise over the river. We look out for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys, in particular, are frequently heard as they stake out their territories. Fly to Cuzco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, making a stop to visit llamas, and the Pisac ruins, where we spend 4 nights.

Day 7 - 9

7/9 Sacred Valley. The next three days are spent exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A fertile slash of green in the centre of the inhospitable Andes, the valley is even now a place of extraordinary peace and beauty. Guarded at its two ends by the fortresses of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, it was the Incas' granary, feeding both Cuzco and the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
We explore both the colourful market at Pisac, at the entrance to the valley as well as the extensive fortress above the village, and valley. We also go to the fortress of Ollantaytambo down the valley. The comparison is dramatic and the town of Ollantaytambo is perhaps the best example of Inca town planning with its grid network of alleys and streets.
For those that would like to, we will also visit the Rainbow Centre in Urubamba. This is a centre set up for children with special needs. You will be shown round the school, meet the volunteers and children and get told more about the project. Please note that this is entirely optional and those who don't wish to visit the project could spend a pleasant hour wandering around the charming town of Urubamba. If you would like to bring anything for the children or donate to the project, this would naturally be very well received.
There are a number of good walks in the valley as well. One afternoon we hike up to an Inca Quarry above Ollantaytambo and we also take a spectacular walk with llamas from Tauca into the mountains with spectacular views of Mt. Chicon, and visit the recently restored Arquelogical site of Huchuicusco.
We also schedule a weaving demonstration at Chinchero where we also take lunch in a local home. Finally we visit Moray Arqeology site and an Inca salt mine from where we hike into the valley.

Day 10

Machu Picchu. For most people the highlight of the trip is the visit by train to one of the greatest ruins in the world, the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records about it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the mountain jungle. For those who would like to, there is the possibility of a short one-day Inca Trail option, covering the best day of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (approx. 5 hours walking). There are strict regulations about using the trail and you will need to provide us with full passport details at the time of booking.

Day 11

Dawn tour of Machu Picchu. In the morning, before the tourists arrive, we return early to have a tour and spend the morning at the ruins, then board the train in the afternoon (though its timings are somewhat erratic) for the ride along the Urubamba river up the Sacred Valley and then onto Cuzco from Ollantaytambo by van or mini bus.

Day 12

Cuzco. The centre of the Inca Empire was Cuzco, known in the Inca language as the Navel of the Universe. Cuzco is believed to be the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere. Situated in a superb position 3480m high in the Andes, it remains a city of unique beauty and fascination, its architecture deriving half from the Incas, who made it their capital, and half from the Spanish Conquistadores who built their own capital on the massive stone foundations of the Incas.
Today we have a full-day combined tour in and around this city. In the centre we visit the Plaza de Armas, which has several fine churches and examples of the famous Inca stonework. We will also visit the Coricancha Temple. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. Entrance fees to the cathedral, San Blas Church and the religious art museum are not included. The combined entrance fee for these sites is US$9.

Day 13

Cuzco. Today is free for your own private exploration or last minute shopping in this charming city.

Day 14

To Lima. Today we leave the mountains and the Inca capital of Cuzco as we catch a flight back to Lima. Here we will transfer to our hotel in the fashionable district of Miraflores for the night.

Day 15

Most international flights depart in the evening, arriving in the UK the following day.