Amazon & Incas

Begin your Amazon adventure flying to Puerto Maldonado, a once known rubber town surrounded by some of the world’s most pristine rainforests. Hop on a motorized boat on the rushing Madre de Dios river towards a land of riotous jungle colours and extraordinary wildlife, Tambopata National Reserve, for a 2 nights stay at selected lodge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Waking to a symphony of birdsong you’ll know you’re in the heart of the jungle. Explore the boardwalk over rainforest swamps and see the transition of the rainforest ecosystem to marshland. During the day, based on the selected lodge, you could enjoy some of the following guided excursions:  sail in one of the region oxbow lakes seeking for unique wildlife; enjoy unique views and watch birds fly through the treetops from a canopy tower; visit a parrot clay lick to see dozens of colorful parrots and parakeets descend on the riverbank; explore the forest or bath in a cool clear stream near the lodge; enjoy a twilight river excursion seeking for nocturnal fauna; amongst others. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Leaving the rainforest behind, fly to Cusco, one-time capital of the Incan Empire, set high in the Andes mountains. Upon arrival, transfer to selected hotel for a 3 nights stay. (Breakfast)

This morning or afternoon, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Listen as a local expert explains how the historic clashes between the Incas and the Spanish played a role in forming today’s Peruvian culture. Next, travel just outside of Cusco to behold the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an enduring testament to Incan architectural skills. Examine its colossal stone blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. (Breakfast)

In the morning, go off the beaten path and visit the authentic and picturesque villages  and sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First visit  the scenic town of Pisac with its local colorful market. Continue exploring the incredible Archeological Complex of Pisac, one of the most beautiful monumental centers of the Incan Empire. Finally discover the secrets of the Incas at Ollantaytambo, originally a massive fortress settlement and an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity. The present town follows the original grid system and evidence of the ancient structure still remains. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Morning drive to Poroy or Ollanta and board the morning train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (former Aguas Calientes) and take a tour of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, one of the most impressive ancient sites in the world. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and, as you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 8,000 feet above sea level. In the evening, return by train to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Enjoy a morning at your leisure, sleeping in, visiting shops or simply relaxing. Then, fly back to Lima and connection back home. End of services. (Breakfast)