INCA TRAIL TREK PLUS AMAZON

Transcription

1 INCA TRAIL TREK PLUS AMAZON

2 Itinerary Overview On this active Peru adventure to the Andes and the Amazon we trek the Inca trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu along the royal road built by the Incas 500 years ago. Discover native Quechua Andean life and explore Inca stone monuments in Cusco, the Urubamba Valley and on the ancient pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. We descend from the Andes to explore the Amazon rain forest based at comfortable jungle lodges in the Tambopata-Candamo, a region known for its high biodiversity, featuring giant river otters, monkeys, and over 500 species of birds. In close proximity to the world s largest and most active macaw clay lick, we can observe scarlet and blue-and-gold macaws and learn about the research to preserve Amazon parrots. This Peru trip is an active rainforest adventure offering miles of jungle trails for biking and hiking, aerial platforms with a bird s-eye view above the tree tops and up-close wildlife viewing at parrot and mammal clay licks and well as kayak and canoe trips oxbow lakes. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Thu or Sun LIMA Costa del Sol Arrive Lima 2 Fri or Mon CUSCO Casa Andina Private Collection B Fly to Cusco, afternoon city tour 3 Sat or Tue URUBAMBA VALLEY Sol y Luna BL Visit Ollantaytambo, Pisac ruins and market 4 Sun or Wed LLACTAPATA Camping Inca Trail Trek 5 Mon or Thurs LLULLUCHAPAMPA Camping Inca Trail Trek 6 Tue or Fri PHUYUPATAMARCA Camping Inca Trail Trek 7 Wed or Sat MACHU PICCHU 8 Thu or Sun CUSCO 9 Fri or Mon TAMBOPATA 10 Sat or Tues TAMBOPATA 11 Sun or Wed TAMBOPATA 12 Mon or Thurs TAMBOPATA 13 Tue or Fri DEPARTURE Machu Picchu Pueblo Casa Andina Private Collection Refugio Amazonas Tambopata Research Center Tambopata Research Center Refugio Amazonas Casa Andina (Day use) BL B Inca Trail Trek, arrive in Machu Picchu Tour Machu Picchu, return to Cusco Fly to Puerto Maldonado, boat transfer, caiman search Jungle mountain biking, boat to TRC, overlook trail Macaw Clay lick, forest hikes, river kayaking Canopy Climb, boat transfer, oxbow lake paddle Transfer to Puerto Maldonado. Fly to Lima. Day room until departure. -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA Arrive in Lima. Airport assistance and overnight at the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel just a short 2-minute walk outside customs. DAY 2: CUSCO AND VICINITY WALKING TOUR Airport assistance for one hour morning flight to Cusco. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon half-day guided orientation of ancient Inca temples, Spanish churches and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. Your guide will also direct you to shops, museums, and markets where you can explore on your own as well as our recommended restaurants to enjoy Peru s exquisite fusion cuisine. Overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection. [B] Optional upgrade option to the luxury Orient Express Monasterio Hotel, a restored 400-year old former monastery and one of the top rated hotels in South America. DAY 3: URUBAMBA VALLEY Full day private guided exploration through the Sacred Valley of the Incas including the village of Pisac with its colorful market and hilltop ruins and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Visit Quechua villages where highland Indians tend their fields and sell handcrafts in outdoor markets. Overnight in the serene Urubamba Valley at the Hotel Sol y Luna. [BL] Patacancha Village Hike add-on: We highly recommend adding another day in the Urubamba Valley. You can enjoy a beautiful, easy downhill day hike on local foot trails through the Andes to the native Quechua Indian villages of Hullioc and Patacancha (12,500 elevation) where crops are sown and textiles woven with simple hand tools and methods that have been in use for centuries. Ask about the mountain bike day trips from Moray past Maras and into the Urubamba Valley. DAY 4: INCA TRAIL ACCLIMATIZATION TO LLACTAPATA Altitude: / m; Hiking time with rests: 5 hours; Hiking distance: 6 miles; Camp elevation: 9000 /2750m We plan this day to explore a little known site in order to have an extra day of acclimatization and so that we get an early start the following day ahead of other trekkers starting the Inca Trail. This morning we drive from our hotel to the small village of Piscaycucho. It s an easy two hour hike up the mountain on a little-known Inca pathway to the ancient Inca ruins of Q ente, a spectacular lookout and spiritual site perched high over the valley. Descending back into the valley we follow the Urubamba River through the semi-arid Cusichaca River gorge, past native gardens and thatched-roof houses. Our camp is set near Llactapata, a large Inca settlement of agricultural terraces that probably supplied the entire Urubamba region during Inca times including Machu Picchu. Over your shoulder Mt. Veronica (18,975 ft.) rises in the background. [] DAY 5: LLULLUCHAPAMPA Altitude: ,600 / m; Hiking time: 6 hours; Hiking distance: 7.5 miles; Camp elevation: 12,600 /3820m The trail winds slowly uphill through a small forest to reach the ancient site of Patallacta. After a short walk through the ruins we continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. Winding up the trail through a narrow hanging valley we enter a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree (Polylepis) an endemic species of the Andean forest. The trail ascends steeply to a large pampa below the first pass where we camp. Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Camp overnight at Llulluchapampa. [] -3-

4 DAY 6: PHUYUPATAMARCA Altitude: 12,600-13,776 / m; Hiking time: 8 hours; Hiking distance: 9.5 miles; Camp elevation: 11,970 /3627m After a hearty breakfast, continue the steep ascent. The mountain valley opens up as we approach the Warmiwañusqa Pass (13,776 ft., Dead Woman's Pass), the highest point of the trek, where you can rest and revel with relief knowing you ve successfully negotiated the most difficult part of the trail. Descend into the Pacamayo River valley where you ll see a waterfall, creeks, and meadows. Then ascend to the Inca watchtower of Runcurakay. Continue up and over the second high pass (12,628 ft.). The trail descends down an ancient stone stairway into a cloud forest transition zone, and to the fascinating site of Sayacmarca, a compact, expertly-built ancient Inca town that you ll enjoy exploring. Later, pass through a rock tunnel carved by the Incas and follow the well-engineered trail to the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (Town Above the Clouds, 11,972 ft.). Campsite is located nearby. Magnificent Mt. Salkantay (20,574 ft.), the principal Apu or sacred mountain of local Indians, dominates the landscape on clear days. [] DAY 7: WIÑAY WAYNA AND MACHU PICCHU Altitude: 11, / m; Hiking time: 5 hours; Hiking distance: 7 miles Your last day of trekking is an all day descent into thicker cloud forest including a continuous Inca stairway 2,300 steps long! After a few hours of hiking we arrive at Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), an Inca town perched on a steep forested slope high above the Urubamba River. This beautiful site is a large complex of ancient dwellings, terraces, and still functioning waterworks - an amazing feat of architecture. The final two hours on the trail leads to the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun), the Inca s main entrance to Machu Picchu. Looking out over the spectacular ancient city at 7,868 ft. elevation, it is just a half-mile walk below. Surrounded by emerald-green Andean mountains, the view is truly awe-inspiring. Walk through the ruins and take the bus further below to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we check into our hotel. Overnight at the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. [] Note: Optional upgrade to Sanctuary Hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu is available on request. DAY 8: MACHU PICCHU Be among the first to arrive in Machu Picchu on one of the early shuttle buses up to the site. Your guide will accompany you on an orientation walk through the mysterious maze of streets and stone buildings of this magnificent site. Enjoy the rest of the morning to wander through and explore the most impressive archaeological monument in the Andes at your own pace. Visit the temples of Inca royalty and see the Intiwatana, the ancient stone sun dial. You can hike up the precipitous stone stairs of towering Huayna Picchu peak to get a breathtaking view of the setting. After lunch, return on the afternoon train to Cusco, where you are met and transferred to overnight at the Casa Andina Private Collection. [BL] DAY 9: REFUGIO AMAZONAS, TAMBOPATA Morning airport transfer for flight to Puerto Maldonado. Meet our rainforest naturalist guide and after stopping to store extra luggage, drive to a local port along the Tambopata River and board a comfortable motorized dugout canoe. We travel 2 ½ hours up river, past the native community of Infierno and into the Tambopata National Reserve, a protected area of over 3 million acres. Watch the banks for thirsty capybaras the world s largest rodent pausing for a drink as the scenery varies between red-earth cliffs and low banks thick with Cecropia trees. We ll also catch the occasional glimpse of children and fisherman from native villages and spot a variety of birds herons, hawks, cormorants, and vultures flying overhead or fishing in the churning waters. Boxed lunch is served while en route. In the afternoon we reach our simple yet charming Amazon home for the night at the Refugio Amazonas, a 32 room lodge built on a private reserve. Relax and refresh before dinner and time permitting, enjoy a post-dinner walk along jungle paths or boat ride along the river s edge, searching for night monkeys, caiman, kinkajous, tarantulas and well-camouflaged amphibians with the beams of our flashlights. Overnight at Refugio Amazonas. [] -4-

5 DAY 10: JUNGLE BIKING, BOAT TO TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER, BAMBOO FOREST TRAIL Rise at dawn to the distant roars of red-howler monkeys. With our private guide, we travel a short distance from the lodge to explore the jungle on mountain bikes, along a 6.5 mile trail through mature forest and numerous creek beds. (Rubber boots provided. Be prepared to get muddy!) After lunch we continue up river by boat (1.2 hours) to the Tambopata Research Center, crossing the Malinowski River and leaving traces of human settlement behind. With only 18 rooms, this jungle lodge and research center attracts scientists and wildlife enthusiasts due to its proximity to the world s largest macaw clay lick. In the afternoon we join our guide to hike along the Overlook Trail, on a path above the Tambopata River and through old bamboo growth. Howler and duskey titi monkeys are often spotted here. After dinner at the lodge, local scientists and researchers who may be on site join us in an in-depth discussion of the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, theories for clay lick use and learn about ongoing breeding and conservation efforts here. This discussion prepares us for the journey to the clay lick tomorrow morning. Early to bed tonight we head to the clay lick at dawn! Overnight at Tambopata Research Center. [] DAY 11: MACAW CLAY LICKS, KAYAKING TAMBOPATA RIVER Rise early to witness a spectacle of nature a tumultuous gathering at a clay lick of brightly-colored macaws and parrots, often congregating in the hundreds to ingest minerals in the clay that neutralizes toxins in their diet. This extraordinary wildlife display occurs at only a handful of sites on the upper Amazon Basin, and is one of the largest known macaw licks in the world. Our guides carry a tripodmounted spotting scope to view the action up-close or obtain the perfect telephoto picture with even the simplest camera. After breakfast, join the guide on a 3 mile hike along the Flood Plain Trail. Beneath immense figs, shihuahuacos and ceibas, we observe squirrel, brown capuchin and spider monkeys peering down from the canopy. Peccaries are often spotted quietly drinking at the pools and creeks crossing the forest floor. In the afternoon we take to the water, following our guide paddling kayaks down the Tambopata. Slipping silently through the water, scan the shoreline for herons, anhingas and the colorful yet ungainly hoatzin, a prehistoric looking bird that favors the lake s low hanging-branches. The evening presents the option of relaxing in a hammock, socializing with other guests in the community space or joining our guide on a nocturnal walk with flashlights in hand. Overnight at Tambopata Research Center. [] DAY 12: CANOPY CLIMBING, BOAT TO REFUGIO AMAZONAS Replicating the daily work of macaw researchers, we have an opportunity to ascend 100 feet into the forest canopy using a rope, climbing harness and special ascending device called a jumar. The ascent is hard work, but worth the reward as the vantage point at the top is a macaw s eye view of the entire forest and tree tops. Return to the lodge and board the motor craft for the 3 ½ hour journey back down river to Refugio Amazonas. Our last afternoon in the rainforest is spent paddling the silent waters of a wildliferich oxbow lake. Scan the waters for giant river otters and watch the shoreline for caiman and horned screamers. Macaws are frequently heard squawking as they fly overheadto roost for the evening. After dinner, join lodge naturalists to learn about rainforest ecology of the Tambopata, ongoing research projects and conservation initiatives. Overnight at Refugio Amazonas. [] DAY 13: PUERTO MALDONADO LIMA DEPARTURE After breakfast (or at dawn depending on flight departure), we leave the forest and return to Puerto Maldonado. Collect our stored luggage and proceed to the airport with check-in assistance for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, airport reception and transfer in to Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection in Miraflores to use as a day room until evening flight or overnight and transfer out for next morning departure. (Note: Depending on flight times, a day-room at the airport hotel in Lima may be substituted.) [B] -5-

6 END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING GROUP SIZE LAND COST 2-3 $ $ $3895 *Single supplement $800. Internal Airfare (Lima-Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado-Lima) estimated at $550. Departures every Thursday & Sunday. Additional day at Patacancha $250 per person, $100 single supplement. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation Porters with tents and camping gear (except sleeping bags) on trek Inca Trail permits 12 nights hotel, camping and lodge accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Internal airfare Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado-Lima of approximately $550, Wildland can assist in booking this. Tips and gratuities Sleeping bag for the Inca Trail Trek Airport departure taxes ($30 international often included in ticket, $6 local) Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL: Click here: Why Trek the Inca Trail with Wildland Adventures Click here: Inca Trail Trek Frequently Asked Questions Inca Trail Permits Required in Advance: Peruvian Inca Trail regulations limit the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail each day. Permits are given on a "first-come, first-serve" basis only, so booking early is essential. Inca Trail permits are non-refundable and require your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately upon confirmation. If you don t have a current passport we need your expired passport number in which case you need to bring both passports on the trip. You will need to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. -6-

7 Accommodations COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA, LIMA Located within the Lima airport complex, the Costa del Sol is an easy stop after a late arrival from Quito. The hotel features 130 guest rooms all with high speed Internet access, air conditioning and a marble bathroom. Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant offering a variety of local and International cuisine or relax in the pool. CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, CUSCO In the heard of Cusco a mere three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina Private Collection offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the comforts and services of a larger property. Rooms are tucked away around three interior courtyards, each with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and oxygen available upon request. Relax in the lounge next to the fireplace, take a walk to the Temple of the Sun, or take pleasure in a candlelit dinner at the Alma restaurant, which features Novo Andino (New Andean) cuisine with local ingredients from the Sacred Valley. SOL Y LUNA, URUBAMBA VALLEY Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Hotel Sol y Luna combines comfort with a rustic Andean ambience. Clustered in a landscape of flowers and majestic Andean peaks, individual hotel bungalows offer doubles, family bungalows, and one suite. Each bungalow features a colorfully decorated interior, private bathroom and shower, king-sized beds and a private terrace. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant with brick oven pizza, and the welcoming warmth of an open fireplace, featuring typical Peruvian dishes as well as international plates. INCA TRAIL TREK CAMP Our tents are spacious, 3-person dome tents used for 2 trekker (or single on request). All community camping gear is provided including inflatable ground pads and all dining accoutrements. Sleeping bags are available for rent, although we recommend bringing your own if possible. Dining tent, chairs and tables are provided and a toilet tent is set at each camp. All camp chores, tent set up, and gear is handled by staff. You just carry a day pack with personal needs each day like water, clothing, lunch and camera. -7-

8 MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO, MACHU PICCHU The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate 85-cottage luxury hotel in sprawling Andean style village within the secluded 12 acres of exquisite beauty, where guests follow stone pathways to their rooms, located in comfortable one- or two-story whitewashed casitas. The hotel has the world s largest native species orchid garden open to the public with over 372 species. A lush garden, stone-paved paths and canals flowing with spring water set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere. Large and bright rooms are furnished with wooden furniture specially made by local craftsmen. The UNU Spa features massage, sauna and aromatherapy. REFUGIO AMAZONAS, TAMBOPATA The 32 room Refugio Amazonas provides an enriching stopover on the boat ride between Puerto Maldonado and the TRC. Surrounded by towering Brazil nut trees, the lodge offers miles of hiking trails, jungle biking and access to a wildlife-rich oxbow lake. Accommodations are simple, constructed of palm thatch and native materials with an outer-facing wall open to the rainforest. Each room has a private bathroom with cold water only, a hammock or lounge chair and mosquito net-draped beds to accommodate two or three people. Doors are replaced by drapes and electricity is generator-based, turned on once a day to recharge batteries. TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER, TAMBOPATA Designed to accommodate travelers and researched alike, this remote jungle lodge offers visitors access to remote rainforest habitat and jungle wildlife, especially birds and mammals. 18 rooms are simply constructed using native materials The openwall design is identical to Refugio Amazonas, though here coldwater bathrooms are shared. Simple, fresh meals are served buffet style, combining Peruvian and international cuisine. Light is provided by kerosene lamps and candles though a generator provides electricity once per day. The entire lodge is open air and it is not uncommon for our winged neighbors to visit! CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION, MIRAFLORES The Casa Andina Private Collection is a contemporary hotel located in the Lima suburb of Miraflores. Surrounded by the greatest density of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, Miraflores has become the most fashionable, upscale district of Peru s cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its gastronomic scene. Spacious rooms are well-equipped featuring cable TV, Wi-Fi access, a safety deposit box, and air conditioning. The property features two restaurants, a coffee shop, spa, gym and heated swimming pool, all available for your convenience and relaxation. -8-

9 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program Directors at Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and the initial trip deposit. Deposit requirements are as follows*: $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person 91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips) days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost *Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as 100% of the cost. PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS We think our trips are the best in the business. But don t take just our word for it. We re happy to provide you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a We re here to help. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at or use the Contact a Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions Wildland Adventures How to Reserve a Trip