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Inca Trail, Titicaca Travel & Amazon Tours Peru

Inca Trail, Titicaca Travel & Amazon Tours Peru

Inca trails over the mountains, in a path of landscapes of indescribable Andean beauty that runs, throughout the days of this adventure, archaeological centers that can only be reached by it; that is the Inca Trail. With a controlled capacity of visitors, per month and per year, there is no visitor who does not wish to visit it. Machu Picchu was connected with the city of Cusco and with the rest of the Inca empire through paths of excellent structure, with ergonomic design, were built in strict harmony with the natural environment and have great aesthetics in its construction. Many of the roads are surrounded by beautiful landscapes with lush and varied vegetation. In some sections the road is carved directly into the rock. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the most spectacular trekking routes on the planet and is the best known of the Inca trails. Discover the mystical equilibrium with the environment that Lake Titicaca Travel shows its vast natural wealth. Its cold blue waters surround the city of Puno and show fantastic places that keep its history and tradition intact. This source of life and development seek, with tourism, to preserve its incredible culture and landscapes. In addition, the legend tells that this famous lake was born Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, founders of the Inca Empire. Titicaca is the highest and navigable lake in the world, this Natural Heritage of Peru is located in Puno and is shared with the neighboring country of Bolivia. The islands that inhabit this majestic place are Taquile, Amantaní and Uros, the same ones that maintain their pre-Columbian traditions and customs.The department of Madre de Dios is one of the richest departments in terms of fauna, flora, and landscapes, a visitor can go and be totally amazed by this natural paradise, where there are still native ethnic groups, has impressive lakes, lagoons , deep rivers where they are used for navigation, in Madre de Dios there are many natural resources, where this place is being used and enhanced for the tourist activity where the adventure takes on another meaning, where each human sense fully experiences the creation made by God .The National Park of Manu, is within Madre de Dios and it is already mentioned that it is one of the most recognized and revered laboratories and wildlife lodges on the planet, this is without exaggeration since it sees the development of a huge variety of animal and plant species , many of them in danger of extinction, discover, for example, that in Manu live more than 800 species of birds, around 200 kinds of mammals, or even more than a hundred varieties of bats, is something simply exciting. But the sensitive beauty in Madre de Dios never seems to run out. A few minutes from Puerto Maldonado, its warm capital city, we are excited to know that the National Reserve of Tambopata offers us new surprises. With a territory almost 8 times lower than the Manu, this tropical reserve is also a jewel of biodiversity and has excellent hostels with all the amenities. Impressive varieties of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and butterflies that are discovered when immersed in this paradise, and that make us recognize that Peru is a mega diverse country.

Overview
Itinerary
Includes
Before you go

Quick Itinerary:

Day 01: Lima

Day 02-04: Peruvian Amazon

Day 05: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Day 06-09: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 10: Cusco City

Day 11: Sightseeing bus to Puno

Day 12-13: Titicaca Lake Travel

Day 14: Puno

Day 15: Departure Day

 

Peruvian Jungle Tours:

Madre de Dios shelters infinite forests, sinuous rivers and abundant natural life. It is a reserve of flora and fauna, as well as a refuge for endangered species such as the maned wolf and the deer of the marshes. This region is home of native communities that promote ecotourism in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world such as Lake Sandoval, Lake Valencia, the Manu National Park, the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, the only ecosystem of tropical humid savanna existing in Peru.


Weather 

The city of Puerto Maldonado has a hot and humid climate, with the exception of the months of June and July when the temperature can drop due to the cold, caused by the winds coming from the South (Patagonia) that reach the Amazon. The rainy season is from December to March. In the towns of the province of Manu the climate is temperate and rainy, with high atmospheric humidity and the presence of fogs in the mornings; in these areas of high forest the precipitations are majors that in the low forest.

  • Maximun temperature: 39° C - 91° F
  • Minimun Temperature: 17° C - 63° F

Gastronomy 

  • Masato: Baked cassava drink, crushed and fermented with sweet potato (sweet potato) or sugar. 
  • Inchicapi: Chicken soup with chestnut and rice. 
  • Tacacho with jerky: Roasted or fried banana and crushed with butter that is accompanied with dried meat. 
  • Juane Rice: with stick and pieces of chicken wrapped in bijao leaves.

Dates to celebrate


San Juan feast: The festival of San Juan Bautista has a symbolic character because it celebrates water as a vital element throughout the Amazon. You can hear local bands and taste typical dishes of the department. 

  • From: June 24
  • Until: June 24

Anniversary of Puerto Maldonado:During a week there are various competitions such as regattas and motorcycle races, tastings of typical dishes and choices of beauty queens.

  • Since: July 10
  • Until: July 10

Anniversary of Madre de Dios:  It is the most important feast in the department where the celebrations begin on the eve with evenings, serenades and dances. On the 26th of December there are civic parades, sports championships and artisan fairs.

  • From: December 26
  • Until: December 26

What to see in Puerto Maldonado City? 

  • Tourist Viewpoint of Biodiversity: It has the shape of a chestnut tree, a species native to the Madre de Dios region. From the top of this viewpoint you can see a beautiful landscape: the infinite green of nature and the entire city of Puerto Maldonado. This viewpoint has a height of 47 meters and in each of its fifteen floors there are photographic exhibitions of the biodiversity and history of Madre de Dios. 
  • Tropifauna serpentarium: In the place the snakes, parrot machaco, chicotillo, anaconda, boa emerald, shushupe are bred. There are also amphibians like frogs and toads. Tropifauna also fulfills the functions of a rescue center, as it houses reptiles and amphibians found in the vicinity of nearby towns. It has an area of ​​500 m2. The serpentarium is 6 km from the city of Puerto Maldonado. 
  • Butterfly House: In the interior of the butterfly house you can see hundreds of Amazonian butterflies of different species, flying and feeding on flowers and fruits. The Butterfly House Butterfly Garden is a 20 m long by 7 m wide garden that offers a unique and educational experience.

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour:

Sacred Valley, named for being the main food supplier of the Inca empire, the Sacred Valley sits on the banks of the Urubamba River. This river in its beginnings has the name of Vilcanota, that comes from the Quechua word Wilcamayu or Sacred River. The Incas built archaeological centers, along their banks, that replicated the constellations that they knew of the Andean sky so this contributes, even more, to the beauty of this enchanting valley.


What to see in Sacred Valley? 

  • Pisac Archaeological Park: It is constituted by groups of archaeological remains among which include platforms, aqueducts, roads associated with walls and portals, water channels, cemeteries and bridges. 
  • Town and Archeological Center of Chinchero: This site presents exceptional lithic expressions due to the monumentality and development of its architecture. It was built by Tupac Inca Yupanqui in 1480. 
  • Archaeological Ensemble of Ollantaytambo: It was built during the Inca period as a fortified area that includes a temple, platforms and an urban sector. Two sectors can be distinguished: one denominated "Araqama Ayllu", zone linked to the cult and the religion; and the second "Qosqo Ayllu", a group dedicated to housing. 
  • Archaeological site of Moray: It is made up of four slightly elliptical galleries, which the inhabitants call Muyus. The main gallery has a depth of 45 m and the average height of each platform is 1.80 m. Moray was an important agricultural research center for the domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of wild species, which were adapted for human consumption. It is believed that each terrace reproduces the climatic conditions of different ecological zones, where 60% of vegetable species, three thousand varieties of potatoes, corn, etc. were produced. 
  • Salineras: They are salt mines whose exploitation is as old as the Tahuantinsuyo. The inhabitants channel the saline water that emanates from the ground from a water hole called Qoripujio  to pools where, due to the effects of the sun, it evaporates, leaving on the surface the salt that is then treated for sale in the local market. 
  • Piuray Lagoon: It has a perimeter of 8 750 m, 465 m wide and 3 000 m long, a depth between 20 and 50 m. In the surroundings you can see a variety of crops such as barley, wheat, potatoes, tarwi, as well as eucalyptus trees, trout fauna and wild ducks. 

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, has been divided into several routes and several sections, most of them depart from: Km 82, and Km 104 of the Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) railroad route. The most important sections of the Inca trail, cross slopes, summits and banks of the basin of the Vilcanota River.The regular Inca Trail of 4 days / 3 nights starts at kilometer 82, town of Piscacucho, where you can get in a car from the city of Cusco. The route to reach the Archaeological Park of Machupicchu is 34.45 kilometers, during this walk you can see numerous streams and courses of glacial origin, as well as different archaeological monuments.


What to see in the Inca Trail to Machupicchu? 

Inca Trail to Machupicchu  is part of the Qhapaq Ñan network. To travel the Inca Trail is to observe the seasons of the year in a few days: from a moderate cold to an extreme cold, from a warm temperature to an intense heat. The route that departs from Cusco challenges the adventurers. The prize for your effort is to reach Machu Picchu in a magical sunrise, when the sun's rays come down from the mountains to reveal the harmony between man and nature. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most important trekking routes in South America. In the route there are numerous streams and courses of waters of glacial origin. Among the twelve archaeological monuments that can be seen include: 
  • Qoriwachayrachina
  • Patallaqta
  • Runkuraqay
  • Sayacmarca
  • Phuyupatamarca
  • Intipunku
  • Intipata
  • Wiñayhuayna.

Machu Picchu Tour:

Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the modern world. Declared cultural heritage of humanity since 1983 by UNESCO. Lost city , sacred city ,cradle of the Inca Empire; Machupicchu, located 2,430 meters high in a place of great beauty, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing architectural realization of the Inca Empire in its apogee. Its walls, terraces and gigantic ramps give the impression of having been sculpted in the escarpments of the rock, as if they were part of it. The natural frame, located on the eastern slope of the Andes, is part of the upper Amazon basin, which has a very varied flora and fauna.


Importance: 

The citadel of Machu Picchu, includes well-differentiated areas, that historians classified in sectors, for the possible uses that the Incas gave them:

  • Agricultural Sector
  • Urban Sector
  • Religious Sector

Titicaca Travel

Considered the longest in South America, Lake Titicaca is located on the plateau of Collao, in the altiplano between Peru and Bolivia, at a height of 3 thousand 830 meters above sea level. The Titicaca besides being the longest in South America is the most navigable and highest lake in the world. It has an area of ​​8,300 square kilometers, an average width of 50km and a depth of approximately 300 meters. Its waters have a temperature that varies between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, which makes it possible to swim and fish for trout, pejerreyes and other species. The Titicaca hosts a great diversity of birds such as ducks, flamingos, gulls, etc; while in the flora stands out the totora that is used as material to build houses and canoes. Three islands are part of Lake Titicaca, the climate is dry and fresh. The best season to visit Lake Titicaca is between the months of May and October. In the day the temperature reaches 25 degrees and the nights are cold so it is recommended to wear protective face and lips because the combination of dry weather and sun mistreat the skin. Lake Titicaca hosts 36 islands, including "Los Uros", "Taquile" and "Amantani". It is known that Lake Titicaca was formerly inhabited by pre-Inca populations among which the kingdom of Tiahuanaco stood out. Then it was the Incas who conquered the territories of the lake considered a sacred place.


Visit:

Day 1: Lima
Detail

Lima has a lot to offer. It is one of the largest cities in South America and has a great history behind it. There are so many things to do that it can be difficult to choose what to do with the amount of time you have. The City of Kings, the noble title that until now it holds, Lima grows as a metropolis in a fast and modern way. Being the only capital city of America located by the sea, Lima is populous (more than 8 million inhabitants) and is full of places of interest and restaurants of international fame. It is the gastronomic capital of America and only for that reason, one of the many that has, becomes a pleasant tourist focus. Its beaches, likewise, offer us the beauty of its women and its waves. Their neighborhoods, on the other hand, will show us the deep heart of a city that demonstrates the booming destiny of Peru.

 

  • Please note: the first day is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so that you can arrive at any time

 

Day 2 - 4: Peruvian Amazon
Detail

This day we will take a flight to Puerto Maldonado,that belongs to the province of Tambopata and is the capital of Madre de Dios; It is also one of the most active commercial centers of the Peruvian jungle. For many it is known as the capital of biodiversity due to its wonderful fauna and flora found in the place. The city is located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. The city has a warm temperature most of the time, however it is a very hot area in a few months. In addition, its inhabitants are welcoming people.The Department of Madre de Dios is very rich in terms of fauna and flora, since its large hectares and forests make possible the ecosystem of these animals. Madre de Dios is not only known as the Capital of Biodiversity of Peru, but it is also recognized as the region that hosts important ecosystems, which are threatened by a series of activities, in this travel, we will discover the flora and fauna of Madre de Dios that presents world records, for example it houses as a thousand species of birds, 200 of mammals, 250 of fish, a high number of reptiles, amphibians and plants. For this reason, the flora and fauna of Madre de Dios is very varied due to the large number of animals and plants. Madre de Dios also has unique ecosystems in Peru, such as the Pampas del Heath that is located within the Bahuaja Sonene National Park. This type of special habitat maintains two endemic species: the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachiurus) and the marsh deer (Blastocerus ichotomus). These species are threatened and their conservation is vital as well as that of the Pampas del Heath. On the other hand, aguajales, named for the large presence of aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa), are ecosystems of great importance for many species of flora and fauna; They are also a source of pure water. Likewise, the chestnut is considered the flagship species of Madre de Dios, as it is ecologically important, because it is part of the primary forests and because it is an economic source for many people in Madre de Dios. Madre de Dios is home to some of the most biodiverse regions in the world. For example, the Manu National Park has the record number of amphibian and reptile species.Madre de Dios has an enormous diversity of birds, it has the great species of South American cats (jaguar, tigrillo, puma), multiple species of lizards, and other reptiles such as reptiles such as boa constrictor and shushupe. Monkeys, fish, insects and in general the set of animals are also abundant and diverse. As we can find many species such as: Cock of the rocks or tunqui.

Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Detail

Cusco was the capital of the Incas and is a very interesting destination for tourism, in the tour we offer you will learn about the culture of the Incas and their legacy, the towns of Cusco and Valle with their customs, its impressive architecture, its energy and the incredible natural environment that will make your trip an unforgettable experience. You will also feel the affection of our people who receive their visitors with joy.The tour starts picking you up from your hotel. First we will visit the Pisac town famous for its crafts, where we will also visit its archaeological center. At noon we will have lunch in Urubamba, to finally visit Ollantaytambo.

Day 6 - 9: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Detail

The total distance of the road is approximately 39.6 km and starts at Km. 82 in the place called Pisqacucho. To start the road you should cross a bridge, then go to the left side through a eucalyptus orchard and start the day calmly. Almost immediately you will find the archaeological complexes of Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, Kusichaca and Patallaca. From that last point you will continue along the left bank of the Kusichaca River in the area with the same name where you will not only see the bridge but also find tombs, aqueducts, terraces, roads and a canyon. You will continue until you reach the small town of Wayllabamba and Inca aqueducts. It takes around 4 hours to reach 9 km from this point. One will camp there the first night. The second day is more difficult, because the walker will have to climb up to 4,200 meters, crossing the Warmiwañusqa pass, the first and the highest. If you suffer from "soroche" (altitude sickness) it is best not to stop or descend quickly to the valley of the Pakaymayu river, where you can camp. This place is 7 km away and it is approximately 8 hours away. The third day is the longest but the most interesting. You will be ready to visit the most impressive complexes like Runkuraqay, the second step at 3,800 meters above sea level, its complex were a small place to rest, guard posts and places dedicated to worship after crossing the Second step you descend to Yanacocha (The Black Lagoon) to then climb a path with stone steps until you reach another group of buildings which attract the attention of visitors. This point is called Sayaqmarka a pre-Hispanic complex with narrow streets, buildings erected on different levels; sanctuaries, canals and an exterior protection wall. At the top of the buttresses one can observe many constructions which lead to suppose that once it was a temple and an astronomical observatory, which had a permanent supply of water and excellent food stores. Sayaqmarka is a place full of mystery and charm the approximate distance to Runkuraqay is 5 Km. Which takes 2 hours. This complex extends to 3,600 meters above sea level. There is an excellent path and a tunnel through this complex. We recommend camping near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca or 3 km further on in the visitor center of Wiñay Wayna, where one can buy food and drinks or use hygienic services. The ruins of Phuyupatamarca are better preserved than we have seen before now. On the fourth day, which starts around 5:00 A.M., the walker arrives at Machupicchu around 7:00 A.M. After 8 km of hiking through the jungle. Follow the designated route and drink some water at the Wiñay Wayna Visitor Center. The trail is clearly marked but try to avoid getting too close to the edge of the cliff. It is forbidden to camp in Inti punku. You will leave your equipment at the control gate and enjoy the most important monument of this part of the continent. You will have time to visit Machupicchu until noon. Check the train schedule to return to Cusco.  

Day 10: Cusco
Detail

There is no simple way to explain the majesty that Cusco represents. This region gathers history, modernity and adventure with a mystique that wraps from the Cusquenian Main Square to the most distant places of it. Fill up with energy, discover the impressive architecture and feel a little closer to the sky in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 11: Puno
Detail

This day we will follow the famous route of the Sun. First we will go to Andahuaylillas, a church that dates from the seventeenth century also known as the Sistine of the Andes for the beauty of its murals, the works in gold leaf and the paintings of the Cusco school that houses inside.Then, we will visit the  pre-Incan city of Pikillaqta beeing once of the most impressive regional centers of the culture Wari, Piquillacta is a Quechua word where piki means flea, and llaqta, town; it could be translated as "the little town of fleas", but piki also refers to something very small, tiny, so it could also mean "small town". It is known that the name Piquillacta was assigned to him after the arrival of the Spaniards. And although his name is unknown in the Incas, it is possible that it was Muyuna (in circuit) or Muyna. Then , we will continue our tour at we will arrive at the archaelogical complex of Raqchi (3,450 m.a.s.l) Also known as the Temple of the god Wiracocha, which was the supreme deity Inca, we will also see magnificent buildings in stone and adobe.Finally we will go to visits Pucara, the most important Ceremonial Center of the Altiplano. In the museum you can discover the origin of the Pucara culture through lithic sculptures and ceramics.We will finish our sun route at Puno,seat of the ancient Tiahuanaco culture (800 to 1200 AD). Puno is full of wonderful things that the visitor can experience and feel, our senses are open to this fascinating Andean world, Puno has a special flavor, some say it is the immense Lake Titicaca, which is the first thing you see when entering the city, considered the largest lake in Peru, the origin of countless legends, which come to life every time that they are told.

day 12 -13: Titicaca Lake
Detail

The immensity of Lake Titicaca is felt most intensely when sailing on board in a kayak. In the peninsula of Capachica (community of Llachón), the service is offered with modern boats, with padded seats, for one or two people. All safety measures are taken and generally the lake waters are still and provide peace of mind. This 2 days we will visit all the islands around Puno. Lake Titicaca is one of the most important natural heritage in the world, as well as being a source of resources for the communities that live in the surroundings, who maintain ancestral customs and traditions. Taquile is an island with terraces and pre-Inca ceremonial centers. Its inhabitants are experts in the practice of traditional textiles, which is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. On the island of Amantaní, the community shows travelers their agricultural activities, weaving, stone carving and leatherworking. The island Suasi is a unique exponent of the lacustrine geography of 43 hectares. It is 1 km from the shore. It is a place that promotes the defense of the ecosystem and where man and nature coexist in harmony. The archipelago of Wiñaymarca, is made up of 8 islands, one of which is the island of Anapia, which offers visitors the possibility of staying in rural houses and sharing cultural experiences with local people.Also we will visit the famous Uros floating Island

Day 14:Puno
Detail

On this day we have no scheduled activities so you can discover more of the wonderful city of Puno. The city of Puno is dominated by the presence of Lake Titicaca, sacred place of the Incas and populated by natural and artificial islands of Peru. Puno has prehispanic archaeological sites of circular constructions called from their origin chullpas. Its churches are characterized by a marked colonial architecture. It is a town proud of its Quechua and Aymara past of folkloric tradition that overflows every year in dances and rites during the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival. Puno is a legend, multicolored party, populated by natural and mystical islands.

Day 15: Departure
Detail

To finish our tour, we will transfer you to the airport of Juliaca - Puno to take a flight to Lima.

Please note: A return flight to Lima can be arragend upon request! 

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
Detail

  • Welcome by our Representative at your arrival.
  • 2x domestic flight: Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco
  • Accommodation: 3* hotels (8 nights), jungle lodges (2 nights), campsites (3 nights), a local family homestay on Amantani Island (1 night)
  • All entrance fees according to the itinerary, an Inca Trail permit including
  • Bilingual Professional Tour Guides 
  • A professional Cook for the Inca Trail
  • Porters to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg (5 kg of your package and 2 for your sleeping) of each passenger's stuff during the Inca Trail;
  • Meals: 14x breakfast, 8x lunch, 6x dinner and 3x afternoon tea during the Inca Trail
  • Professional camping equipment of the Inca Trail: personal double tents, sleeping foam matts, tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents;
  • Food for the Inca Trail
  • A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) for the Inca Trail
  • Tourist land transportation i
  • A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town
  • Tourist train (Expedition) from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
  • 1x sightseeing tourist bus: Cusco-Puno
  • Motorboat transportation in the Amazon Rainforest and on the Titicaca Lake.

NOT INCLUDED:
Detail

  • Pre & post tour accommodation
  • Flights not mentioned
  • International flights and airport departure taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Tips
  • Optional tours
  • Other extras not specified.

PLEASE BRING WITH YOU:
Detail

  • Sportswear maybe a couple. 
  • Trekking shoes, necessary to avoid falling during the trek. 
  • Waterproof clothing,
  • Towel and swimsuit, during the road there are places of camping in which they put showers. You will also find some rivers, where you can cool off a bit, if the guide allows it. 
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Repellent
  • Raincoat
  • Sweater
  • Some Snaks
  • Camera
  • Batteries

 

 

 

 

 

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Days  15 
From $ 3600.00
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Code IT&AMZ
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