INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Lima.

Day 2

Amazon Rainforest. Early start for the flight to Puerto Maldonado, a small jungle town, then by river (3-4 hours, depending on the river) to the jungle lodge in the Tambopata Reserve. On the way we may see caimans (alligators), river turtles and a wide variety of birdlife.

Day 3 - 4

Amazon Rainforest. We take a short boat ride down river to the trailhead. Here we embark on a tiring longer trail (15km round trip) which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant lupuna trees (kings of the jungle) which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself it is possible to spot the elusive black caiman and giant otters. For those who would prefer, it is possible to organise a shorter walk and afternoon visit to a local farm.

Day 5

To Cuzco. A dawn start is required for the boat trip back to Puerto Maldonado, giving memorable views of the sunrise over the river. Lookout for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they stake out their territories. Fly to Cuzco. There is usually time for an afternoon tour of the city. At 3300m Cuzco is an extremely high city and you may find yourself short of breath on arrival.

Day 6

Free day in Cuzco. The Inca Capital which - though small enough to be easily manageable - is among the most attractive cities in South America, with many interesting buildings, museums and sites. To help acclimatise, take an optional walking tour of the Inca capital and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qenco, which overlook the city. Alternatively there is the opportunity for an optional full day tour of the Sacred Valley including the fortresses of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. For the more adventurous you can also choose to go on an optional day of rafting in the Valley on Grade II-III rapids (river conditions depend on the season).

Day 7 - 10

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. From the ridge we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayña, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun. From here we get our sudden first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind. Passing around the ruins, we descend to the river and Puente Ruinas for a well-earned rest, and possibility of a shower.

Day 11

Machu Picchu at dawn. We return early for a tour of the ruins at their quietest and most evocative (before the day trippers arrive from Cuzco). After free time to explore individually, we then board the train in the afternoon (though its timings are somewhat erratic and the journey will probably be partly in the dark). The ride follows the rapids of the Urubamba River, enters the sacred valley, and then climbs onto the altiplano to Cuzco.

Day 12

Cross the altiplano. Today we take a bus ride across the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungles. Although it is quite a long drive (10 hours including stops), it is interesting and often spectacular. There are scheduled stops along the route to visit some of the most interesting sites which helps break up the day and we get a feeling for the immensity of the Andean landscapes. We arrive in the evening at Puno, a high, chilly town on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 13

Lake Titicaca. We explore Lake Titicaca, visiting the descendants of the Uros Indians, who live on islands of floating reeds and produce some fine textiles. Though the altitude here (3850m) is tiring, the air is very clear and the lakeside views can be magnificent, with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes towering in the background. We spend the night on Amantani Island where we experience a native homestay.

Day 14

To Lima. On to Chifron Bay, and cultural insights on the peninsula before flying back to Lima (from nearby Juliaca airport). Depending on the flight taken, we may have some time free for shopping and sightseeing, including an optional visit to the Gold Museum. Flights times do vary and some groups will not arrive into Lima until late afternoon or early evening.

Day 15

End Lima. The group flight departs in the evening and arrives in London the next day. Those on Land-only arrangements will leave us after breakfast.

Day 16

Arrive London.