Machu Picchu Trek & Amazon Combo 15D/14N

Duration: 15 Days

Departure Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00

Arrival in Cuzco
Welcome to Cuzco! Historic heartland and former capital of the Inca Empire. Our driver will welcome you at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel. Cuzco is a favorite destination of many visitors to Peru. As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cuzco's colonial and modern buildings. The city itself is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today, Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Take the time to acclimatize to the city’s 3450-metre high (11,150 ft) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

ATV Quad Bike Adventure to Maras and Moray (B)
Take an adventurous 4x4 quad bike tour to see some of the Sacred Valley’s most interesting sites. Feel the adrenaline of having total control of a 4x4 quad bike as you drive along dirt roads in the mountains, splashing through mud puddles, passing fields and villages and enjoying the fresh crisp Andean air. You will be picked up from your accommodation and head to Cruz Pata, a tiny village where the quad-bike adventure will begin. After a safety briefing, you will rev your engines and start off through the countryside to Moray, our first stop of the day. Look out over ancient Inca circular crop terraces and be amazed at the engineering developments of the ancient Inca. Connect with Mother Earth, (La Pachamama) and learn how the Andean culture lives in harmony with the nature that surrounds them. You will receive some explanations and then you will get free time to walk around. Continue your ride to the “Salineras”, salt mines for a quick visit to see how local people make a living off of the salt that is produced here. Get free time to shop for souvenirs if you would like. Hop back on your 4x4 quadbike once again and make the return trip to Cruz Pata where you will return your motorbike and equipment and then take a return transfer back to Cuzco. NOTE: Return time is an approximate and afternoon tours may face some delay due to traffic going back to Cuzco.

Sacred Valley of the Incas (B)
On the way you will stop at a point known as El Mirador, from where you will be able to see the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history. The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas; its combination of agreeable climate and fertile plains bestow an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Our driver and guide will suggest the best points for pictures. Later on, you will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. At the ruins you will see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see a great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over the place. Then, we visit the town of Pisac and wander through the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods, and indigenous clothing - a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs as well as take some great photos. In the afternoon, you will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo you will see it is a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Once you get there you will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca construction built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca place where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel in Cuzco. Included Services: Full day visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in private service with local guide. In the afternoon, you will have a mandatory briefing on your trek. At this meeting, you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up service and be able to ask questions.

Trek to Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) via Ollantaytambo (L/D)
Accommodation pick-up is between 05:00 - 06:00 hrs. Please make all of the necessary preparations one day prior to the trek. You will be taken by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will have an hour to eat breakfast on your own and purchase last-minute snacks, water and walking sticks. Then you will hop back on the bus to Piscacucho (KM 82) where the famous Inca Trail journey will begin. Bring your original passport, student card (if applicable) for the first Inca Trail checkpoint. Your guide will have your tickets for you. Hike along rolling hills in the Vilcanota River Valley passing by several small archaeological sites along the way. Lunch will be prepared half-way and you will have time to relax before reaching Wayllabamba camp (2,980m). Trekking: 10 kilometers/6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate trek along a rolling path gradually ascending from Piscacucho KM 82 (2,570m) through the Urubamba river valley for 10 KM to reach Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m). NOTE: You will have a guide during the trek and on the Machu Picchu tour. However, during your bus and train transfers you will not be accompanied by a guide.

Trek to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) via Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast around 6:00hrs you will start off on the most challenging day along the trail, with a vertical hike of 6 km (approx. 5 hours) to reach Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m followed by a 3 km hike down stone steps to reach Pacaymayo camp at 3,600m (approx. 2 hours). Take your time and rest as much as you need, as you will ascend more than 1,200 meters over the course of the morning. Just after you cross Dead Woman's Pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of nearby snow-capped mountain peaks and roaring waterfalls. Stroll slowly down to Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) to enjoy the scenery. Arrive in time for lunch and a well-deserved nap. Then you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the camp before dinner and an early bedtime. Trekking: 10 kilometers/7 hours. Difficulty: Difficult trekking day starting at Wayllabamba Camp (2,980m) with a constant and demanding ascent of 6.4 KM to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m), an elevation gain of 1,200 vertical meters. Descend another 2.4 KM along a stone staircase to reach Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m), a decrease in elevation of 800 vertical meters.

Trek to Wiñayhuayna Camp (2,650m) via Runquracay Pass (3,950m) (B/L/D)
Start with a one-hour hike uphill to visit the Pacaymayo archaeological site. Continue one hour to Runquracay Pass (3,950m) where you can summit the mountain for incredible views of surrounding peaks. Visit 2 more archaeological sites called Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca with your guide and have lunch along the way. By late afternoon you will reach Wiñayhuayna High Jungle camp (2,650m) set above a river valley in a high jungle climate. After dinner, say a big THANK YOU to your porters and guides. Trekking: 15 kilometers/9 hours. Difficulty: Moderate ups and downs along ancient Inca stairways for 15 KM from Pacaymayo Camp (3,600m) crossing over Runquracay Pass (3,950m) ending at Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) with breaks at scenic archaeological sites along the way.

Trek to Sun Gate (2,720m), Explore Machu Picchu (2,400m) and Return to Cuzco (B)
Wake up between 3:30 and 4:30hrs and have breakfast. Get on the trail early and head to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, joining the lineup to wait for the gate to open at 5:30 am. Once the gate opens, hike about an hour to reach the Sun Gate. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a clear day! Catch the first glimpses of light over the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then continue down the final length of the trail for 40 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu archaeological complex. Trekking: 7 kilometers/2 hours. Difficulty: Follow an easy, flat and narrow 7 KM path from Wiñayhuayna High Jungle Camp (2,650m) to the Sun Gate (2,720m) and finally descend into the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,400m). Visit this magical site on a 2-hour guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible Inca citadel. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, take an optional trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be booked in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes from where you will catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cusco, arriving back by 8:30pm. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way back to the accommodation of your choice. Optional Activities: Choose to take an optional hike up the steep Huayna Picchu peak or Machu Picchu Mountain. Tickets must be purchased at least 2 weeks in advance and are subject to availability. Please send us an email if you are interested.

Free day in Cuzco (B)
Enjoy a free day in Cuzco to continue exploring the city on your own.

Cuzco Rafting and Zip-Line Adventure and transfer to Puerto Maldonado (B/L)
At 8:30 hrs, head over to the Vilcanota River, home to exciting rafting opportunities. Prepare for an adrenaline filled day, as you splash through the Peruvian rapids and finish off with a thrilling zip-line ride! It’s important that you bring a complete set of clothes, bathing clothes to wear under the neoprene suite, a pair of sandals or slippers for the river, sunscreen, and a small towel. NOTE: The Peruvian government can cancel these activities should they feel there is a genuine safety risk to travellers, especially while there are heavy rains in the area. Today you will be picked-up at your accommodation in Cuzco between 8:30 - 9:00am (The van will pick up passengers from several different hotels in Cuzco, so your pick-up time may vary. Please be ready and waiting in the lobby). Then take a half-hour drive to reach Oropesa, a tiny Andean town famous for its homemade bread. Here we will make a stop to pick-up some fresh bread for lunch before driving to the rafting starting point, where the adventure begins. You will get geared up and receive a safety briefing from your professional rafting guide. Head out into the water on the Vilcanota River, one of Peru's most important rivers for whitewater rafting. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes you will enjoy this super fun class III, III+ and IV rapids with new friends! After hours of thrilling adventure on the Vilcanota River, you will reach camp where you can change into dry clothes and have lunch. Then, at the same camp, feel the rush going down 2 fun ziplines. Relax on the drive back to Cuzco after an active day. You will be dropped off at the city centre. Rafting: The experienced and qualified whitewater rafting guides will be there to provide expert tuition and will be with you all the way, while safety helmets, life preservers and the boats themselves are regularly checked and are always available and in optimal conditions for use in the river. Zipline: Every piece of customer and guide equipment (i.e. harnesses and helmets) is inspected before and after every single use. We also do an additional in-depth gear inspection every other month. At night (around 8:00pm), you’ll be transferred to the local bus station to take the regular overnight bus towards the city of Puerto Maldonado. Our guide will give you the bus tickets.

Puerto Maldonado Amazon Jungle (L/D)
Arrival at Puerto Maldonado at 7:00am approx. Today, you’ll explore the Amazon jungle. The lodge staff will get you from the center of the city to pack a small duffle bag with clothing and other items needed for three days in the jungle, then you’ll stow the rest of your luggage and then travel by private vehicle to the water. Here, board a motorized canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take you between 1 and 3 hours depending on the lodge’s location, and you’ll be given a packed lunch on the way. Arrive and settle in to your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of the immediate area and a briefing. Spend the evening getting acquainted with the sights and smells of the jungle, relaxing to the peaceful sounds of nature. NOTE: The activities may vary slightly according to which lodge you are at. Depending on which lodge you are staying at, the included night excursion may be on tonight or tomorrow. As lodges are in the same area of the jungle, you will see the same wildlife and your overall jungle experience will be the same in either lodge.

Amazon Jungle (B/L/D)
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area’s flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow colored macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle’s nocturnal inhabitants.

Amazon Jungle (B/L/D)
Today, you’ll continue exploring the Amazon. With your local guide, you’ll coordinate the activities for the day.

Transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and Cuzco (B)
After breakfast, you’ll take the boat back to the city to pick you up your main baggage. Then, you’ll be dropped off at the bus station. At night (around 9:00pm), you will board the overnight bus back to Cuzco.

Arrival and free day in Cuzco
Upon arrival in Cuzco (around 7:00am), you can get a taxi to head to your hotel.

Airport Transfer (B)
At the appropriate time, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back to Lima, followed by your international departure flight. Safe travels ahead!