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You are here: Peru > Peru hiking programs > Peru Nature Discovery 21d

Program itinerary

Day 1. Lima Airport - Hotel

Day 01. - Transfer from the Lima International airport to the Hotel Jose Antonio Lima. Ample accommodation with two beds per room. Hotel web page: www.hotelesjoseantonio.com
The hotel is located in the modern district of Miraflores. Transfer time is about 40 minutes. The hotel includes buffet breakfast.

Day 2. Lima

This morning passengers will be presented to their tour programs and activities in Peru. The Lima city tour starts at 9.00 am. In the tour we visit Lima downtown, the Gold Museum and the Miraflores area. The tour takes around 4 hours. After the tour we have lunch show at a Criolla cuisine restaurant in Barranco. Lima city tour includes a bilingual guide bus to take the passengers from the hotel to their different destinations and entrances. After lunch passengers will be transport back to the Hotel. Free afternoon.
Night at Hotel Jose Antonio Lima.

Day 3. Lima - Cusco - Cusco city tour.

Morning flight to Cusco. Passengers are transfer from Hotel to Lima International Airport after breakfast. Flight is around 10 am and the flight time is about 1 hour. Arriving to Cusco passengers will be transfer to the Hotel. At 2 in the afternoon we being Cusco city tour, bus will collect passengers from the Hotel and in the tour visit Cusco Main Cathedral, the Temple of Koricacha, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, temple of Qenko, Fortress of Puca Pucara and the temple of Tambomachay. The tour include tourist bus, bilingual guide and entrances to the different sites. After the tour passengers will be transfer back to the hotel. In Cusco we stay at Hotel Picoaga. www.picoagahotel.com Hotel is 2 blocks from Cusco Main Square.

Day 4. Cusco

In the morning after breakfast passenger meet they tour guide and get final information about the Choquequiraw – MachuPicchu tour. After the meeting with the tour guide passengers have free time for the rest of the day. This is also a good opportunity to keep exploring Cusco as per example visit Cusco central market, the San Blass church, different Inca palace in the center of Cusco, etc.Night at Hotel Picoaga.

Day 5. The Choquequirao - Machupicchu 09 days tour

The tour to Choquequiraw – MachuPicchu starts in the early morning (4:00 am ). The transport will come to the Hotel and drive passenger to Cachora town. Arriving at Cachora town about 8.00 in the morning where we will have our breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 10 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarf tree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short brake at the river we start the steep climb towards Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).

Day 6. Santa Rosa - Raqaypata - Choquequirao.

Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquequiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEKIRAW after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquequiraw, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) we can be lucky to appreciate “the flight of the Condors”. The guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.).

Day 7. Choquequirao - Pinchinuyoc.

- After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored – that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After the lunch we walk through Choquequiraw, with all equipment going to our next camp. We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinuyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces.

Day 8. Pinchinuyoc - Victoria River - Maizal.

This morning we walk down through interesting vegetation know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river Victoria after a few hours and use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way up we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon – with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location of them all. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right across from us. A good place to lain back and think.

Day 9. Maizal- San Juan Pass (4400 m) - Yanama.

We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area – first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the pass in 4000 m.a.s.l. With view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.

Day 10. Yanama - Sacsarayoc - Totora.

We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes – especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night.

Day 11. Totora - La Playa.

We now walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approximately 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.

Day 12. La Playa - Hidrohelectric - Aguas Calientes.

From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on MachuPicchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing MachuPicchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of MachuPicchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hotel.

Day 13. Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu - Cusco.

From Aguas Calientes we take bus up to MachuPicchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance MachuPicchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb WaynaPicchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to Cusco. Transfer to The hotel when arriving to Cusco. Night at Picoaga Hotel.

Day 14. Cusco Free day

Free morning. In the afternoon passengers meet they Jungle tour guide and get final information about the 06 days jungle tour to Manu National Park and the Amarakaeri Reserve.
Dinner show.Night at Hotel Picoaga Cusco.

Day 15. Cusco - CloudForest - San Pedro Lodge.

Start the 06 days Jungle tour to Manu National Park and Amarakaeri reserve. In the morning we leave from Cusco by private bus and drive through the Andean Mountains. We make a stop at Ninamarka to see the pre-Inca burial towers before we begin our descent in to the Cloud Forest. Here we make a hike and the flora reveals a variety of ferns, orchids and different parasitic plants. The fauna on the other hand might show us among others the famous Cock-of-the-Rock bird, monkeys and the almost extinct Spectacled Bear. We spend the night in a nearby lodge in the Cloud Forest.

Day 16. San Pedro Lodge - Atalaya - Amarakaeriecolodge.

In the early morning we walk from the lodge to spend time on a hidden platform to observe the dance ritual and meeting place of the Cock of the Rocks birds. Return to the lodge. After breakfast we continue towards Amarakaeri Lodge. On the way we visit some local families and their small farms, pass through Pillcopata town and board the boat in Atalaya or Shintuya port. From here we continue in the motorized boat sailing down the Alto Madre de Díos River. Along the riverbanks we often see cormorants, herons and vultures. We stop in Aguas Calientes near Shintuya Native Community for lunch. Here it is possible to enjoy a natural hot bath. Early afternoon we continue down river to Amarakaeri Lodge. After arrival we get arranged in the Lodge and then we go for a late afternoon walk on an island just in front of the lodge. Especially the birdlife here is very busy and colourful and small mammals is seen from time to time as well. We return in the early evening and spend the night in rooms with comfortable beds with mosquito nets in the Lodge.

Day 17. Amarakaeriecolodge - Blanco River Camp.

After an early breakfast we will start our ecological excursion through the jungle going to Aguas Negras River and the Amarakaeri Reserve. We arrive to our campsite around midday. In the afternoon we will visit different trails going into the virgin jungle, where we in our search have a nice chance to watch wildlife. Our system of trails offers different walks according to the wishes of our passengers. This evening we sleep in comfortable mattresses and tents in our Open Air Campsite. This late evening we make another night walks.

Day 18. Blanco River Camp.

This early morning we walk to Blanco River inside the Amarakaeri Reserve. Crossing the river we arrive to our hiding place by the side of Lagarto Negro Lake (a mammals clay lick). From here we have a chance to watch birds like parrots and parakeets and some mammals feeding from the rich nutritious clay. Depending on the time we will continue hiking through primary jungle and then return for lunch at the Blanco Open Air Campsite near by the Blanco River. In the early afternoon we will continue our exploration of the jungle in another trail searching for wildlife. In the late afternoon we visit the Mammals clay lick again, where we have a good chance to watch bigger animals like for example the Tapir (Tapirs usually come to eat the clay at night). The time of return to the Camp is depending on the activity in our hiding place. This night we sleep in comfortable mattresses and tents in the Open Air Campsite.

Day 19. Blanco River Camp - Amarakaeriecolodge.

This morning we will explore the area along the Blanco River going through secondary and tertiary jungle, - the preferred habitat for the worlds largest rodent, the Capybara, and a good area to look for bird nests. For the lovers of silence and fishing, this morning offers the opportunity to do piranha fishing in the quite waters along the Blanco River. Later we pack our personal things and start to walk back to Amarakaeri Eco-Lodge on a different trail. We arrive to the Lodge late afternoon. We spend the night in rooms with comfortable beds with mosquito nets in the Lodge. Toilets and showers are available.

Day 20. Amarakaeriecolodge - Atalaya - Cusco.

After a nice breakfast in Amarakaeri Eco-Lodge we get ready to back up river to Atalaya port (we take lunch in the boat). The boat trip can take up to 6 hours. From Atalaya our private bus will take passengers back to Cusco arriving to here early evening hours. Arriving to Cusco passengers will be transfer to their Hotel.
Night at Hotel Picoaga Cusco.

Day 21. Cusco - Lima

- Free morning. Around midday passengers will be transfer from the Hotel to Cusco International airport. The flight to Lima city is around 2 pm. Flight time to Lima is around 1 hour.
End of our Service.






TOUR INCLUDE:
Hotels and camping nights:
02 nights at Hotel Jose Antonio Executive Lima****
05 nights at Picoaga Hotel Cusco****
07 nights in mountain camping tents
01 Night at Aguas Calientes Hotel
03 Nights in Jungle lodges
02 nights in Jungle camps

Tours
Lima city tour
Cusco city tour
Choquequiraw – MachuPicchu 09 days tour
Jungle tour to Manu Park and Amarakaeri reserve 06 days

Flights
Flight from Lima to Cusco
Flight from Cusco to Lima

Transport
All transfers at arrival and departure from Airport-Hotel-Airport

Meals
Total Breakfast : 20
Total Lunches : 14
Total Dinners : 14

Included in the Choquequiraw - Machupicchu Tour:
Pick up from the hotel Bus from Cusco to Cachora
Train from Machupicchu to Cusco ( according season only to Ollantaytambo )
Mules and porters to carry camping equipment plus personal luggage, max. 09 kilos pr. person
Passengers carries they own daypack with room for water bottle, snacks and changing clothes
Riding horses for support on the climbs along the tour
03 good meals pr. day made by experienced kitchen personnel, snacks
Equipment: Tents, mattresses, dining tent with tables and chairs
First-aid equipment includes oxygen and Satellite Phone
Bilingual guide. Max. 7 persons per guide
Our guides have first-aid course
Horsemen and assitents
Bus up to Machupicchu/no include bus down
One night in Aguas Calientes in a hotel
Entrance to Machu Picchu and 2-3 hours guiding at the ruins

Included in Manu Jungle tour:
Private bus Cuzco-Atalaya, Shintuya-Cuzco
Private boat Atalaya-Amarakaeri-Shintuya
Bilingual guide
local guides and staff
Camping equipment (tents,matresses, raincoats, rubberboots, kitchen and life jackets)
first aid kit
Food brought from Cuzco
tropical fruits and mineral water