Peru Hike & Amazon: Salkantay Trek & Manu Jungle 11 Days

Welcome to Peru! After landing at the international airport, you will head to your hotel to settle in and recharge after your flight. The first day is entirely yours: no guided schedules or pressure. You are free to set your own pace and begin discovering the many faces and fascinating contrasts of the Peruvian capital.

Lima is a vibrant metropolis that combines modernity with a noble colonial tradition. To make the most of your free time, we recommend the following exploration options:

• Gastronomic Route: Lima, recognized as the culinary capital of America, is the perfect place to wake up your senses. Take advantage of the afternoon to sample authentic ceviche or enjoy a refreshing pisco sour at one of the city's renowned restaurants.
• Coastal Walk: Explore the modern, safe districts of Miraflores and Barranco. Stroll along the famous Malecón to enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at sunset, or wander through the vibrant street art and picturesque Republican-style mansions.
• Historical Immersion: If you're interested in seeing the remains of the past, head to the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can admire the imposing architecture of the Main Square, stroll through ancient convent corridors, and admire the finely carved wooden balconies that adorn the streets of the "City of the Kings".

Our wild adventure begins upon landing in Puerto Maldonado, the vibrant capital of Peru's Madre de Dios region and the gateway to southeastern Peru's jungle. This warm city is known worldwide as a center of ecological interest and is surrounded by giant trees, a tropical climate, and unmatched biodiversity.

After a brief reception, we will leave the city behind and dive straight into the heart of the Amazon:

• Expedition to the Deep Forest: We will board a traditional motorboat and embark on an exciting journey across the fast-flowing waters of the Madre de Dios River. Our destination is our exclusive ecological lodge, which is hidden deep in the jungle.
• Wildlife Sighting: As we navigate toward the lodge, you will have your first great encounter with the local fauna. The boat allows us to quietly and respectfully approach the animals in their natural habitats along the river.
• Birds of the Peruvian Amazon: Keep your binoculars and cameras ready because this route offers spectacular bird-watching opportunities. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to observe exotic birds typical of the riverbanks. Some of these birds include the agile black skimmer, the elegant great egret, the southern lapwing, the majestic road hawk ("Buteo magnirostris"), the fast kingfisher, colorful swallows and tyrant flycatchers.

To conclude our visit to the Amazon rainforest, we will fly to the historic city of Cusco on the fourth day to begin exploring the Peruvian Andes.

Our adventure begins at around 7:00 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel. We will then head toward the impressive Pisaq complex. As we travel alongside the Vilcanota River, you will enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the Inca citadel. There, you will have the chance to go on an optional two-hour hike (approximately five kilometers) to fully appreciate this ancient city perched high in the mountains. After descending from the peaks, we will explore the craft market in the town, a unique space and the perfect place to learn about local customs and find souvenirs.

At noon, the excursion will take us to Urubamba, a beautiful town considered the heart of the Sacred Valley. We will stop there. Here, we will enjoy a well-deserved rest and a lunch featuring the rich and varied local Andean cuisine. After lunch, we will continue our journey alongside the river to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. This town is famous for its majestic archaeological site, whose main ruins are recognized as the best-preserved example of the Inca Empire's urban planning and engineering skills.

Unlike conventional tours, we will not return to Cusco in the afternoon. Instead, we will spend the night in Ollantaytambo to take advantage of the town's location and spectacular views of the valley. This overnight stay is essential for your acclimatization and comfort. The next morning, we will begin the challenging yet beautiful Lares Valley Trek to Machu Picchu.

We will leave Ollantaytambo early in the morning and travel by bus through the Sacred Valley to the town of Lares. We will start the day by relaxing our muscles in the well-known medicinal hot springs. Around noon, we will begin our hike into the valley, ending our journey at the Andean community of Wacawasi. There, we will spend our first night camping under the starry sky.

On the second day of the journey, we will face the greatest physical challenge of the route: climbing to the "Condor Pass", which is located at an altitude of 4,100 meters. From this spectacular natural viewpoint, we will enjoy panoramic views of the imposing, snow-capped Mount Veronica (18,862 ft). After passing the summit, we will begin a gradual descent to the serene shores of Lake Ipsaycocha, the perfect setting for our final high-altitude campsite.

On the third day, we will walk downhill along a beautiful trail surrounded by stunning landscapes. We will stop at viewpoints in the traditional community of Willoc. At the end of the route, we will arrive back in Ollantaytambo. There, we will board the night train to Aguas Calientes ("Machu Picchu Pueblo"), where we will trade our tents for the comfort of a hotel.

On the last day of the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, we will take a short, couple-of-hour walk that will lead us to the entrance gate of the Inca citadel. There, we will begin our guided tour and delve into the history and architectural mysteries of the site. To ensure a smooth experience, we will strictly enforce the access rules.

• Complete Exploration: We will prioritize entry through Circuit 2, the classic route that provides a thorough tour of the entire archaeological complex.
• Alternative Routes: If the main circuit fills up due to high demand, the visit will be done through Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Both options offer stunning visual perspectives.
• Climb to extreme peaks: After the tour, you have the option of climbing nearby mountains to get an aerial view. Note that climbing Huayna Picchu requires a Circuit 3A ticket, and climbing Machu Picchu Mountain requires a Circuit 1A ticket. (Note: These expeditions incur an additional cost and require advance booking.)

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Our private transportation will be waiting for us there to take us back to Cusco.

There is an alternative option with no extra cost: the "Train Route."

If you are unable or unwilling to make the physical commitment required for the Lares hike, we have an excellent alternative. You can either return to Cusco or enjoy two free days exploring the Sacred Valley. Later, you will travel to Aguas Calientes by comfortable tourist train (usually "Expedition" class, though we use PeruRail and IncaRail fleets). You will spend the night in a hotel, and the next morning, you will take a bus up to Machu Picchu to meet the hiking group directly.

Today is your day of rest. You have total flexibility to walk through the fascinating historic capital, get lost in its colorful traditional markets, and buy authentic crafts. You can also calmly prepare for your last night in the city. To make the most of your free time, we suggest two approaches to exploring:

Cultural immersion and museums

If you want to delve deeper into the region's rich history, the imperial city boasts an array of outstanding cultural sites. We strongly recommend exploring the following sites: The Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Site Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which features a beautiful and select artistic exhibition), the Regional Historical Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

Optional: Adventures and Outdoor Activities

For those who are more daring and looking for more action, the city is the perfect place to start various adventures in the surrounding area.

• Rafting in the Valley: Challenge yourself on the exciting white waters and rapids of the sacred Urubamba River.
• Horseback Riding Routes: Explore the imposing archaeological sites on the outskirts of the city, such as the Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, on a horseback riding tour.
• Mountain Biking: Begin your journey on two wheels, pedaling toward the circular terraces of Moray and the impressive salt pools of Maras. Along the way, you have the option of visiting more Inca sites.

We are finishing our adventure. Thank you for traveling with us. We hope you had an unforgettable experience. In the morning, we will take you back to Cusco's airport for your flight to Lima.

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival.
• Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodation: Three-star hotels (five nights), a hostel (one night), jungle lodges (two nights), and campsites (two nights);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Bilingual, professional tour guides as per the itinerary;
• A cook for the hike in Peru;
• A muleteer for the hike;
• Mules and llamas to carry food, camping and cooking equipment, and six kilograms of each passenger's belongings during the
• Lares Trek;
• Meals: - 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, and 3 afternoon teas during the Lares Trek
• Camping equipment for the Lares Trek, including personal double tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, a dining tent, and a toilet tent
• A cooking tent with cooking equipment for the trek
• A sleeping bag (for temperatures down to -5°C) for the trek
• Transport by private van during tours and local transfers
• A round-trip tourist train ticket (Expedition Class) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
• A round-trip shuttle bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
• Motorboat transportation during the Peruvian Jungle Tour

• Pre- and post-tour accommodations
• Last local flight from Cusco to Lima
• International flights and airport departure taxes
• Travel insurance (we can also offer this)
• Meals not mentioned
• Tips (Please note: It is customary to give tips in Peru, but not obligatory.)
• Optional tours
• Other extras not specified

We recommend that you bring clothes suitable for a country environment. It can be very hot during the day, especially during programmed daytime hikes. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), but in the mountains at night, temperatures drop considerably (down to -10°C (14°F)). The temperature difference can be more than 30°C (90°F)! The best way to prepare for these conditions is to wear several layers. The list of recommended items includes:

• Bring long pants that can be turned into shorts with a zipper, plus an extra pair of shorts.
• A slim sweater or long-sleeved shirt.
• T-shirts.
• A warm sweater made of wool or polar fleece, or a warm fiber jacket and a thin jacket.
• A light rain jacket (or a poncho during the rainy season).
• Thermal underwear.
• Warm sleepwear.
• Swimwear.
• Hiking boots.
• Socks for walking.
• Comfortable shoes for training, as well as sandals or slippers for water activities.
• Bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day.
• A wool or polar hat for nighttime.
• Gloves

We recommend that you bring clothes suited to the jungle environment (be prepared to sweat a lot!). The Amazon region has a tropical climate that is hot and humid with rain in the summer. The average annual temperature is 77°F, ranging from 64°F to 95°F.
The following items are recommended:

• Light clothes and shorts.
• Long, comfortable pants.
• Bring shirts with long or short sleeves.
• Bring long socks for walking.
• Swimwear.
• A towel.
• A hat or something to cover your head.
• Rain gear or a poncho.
• Bring walking shoes or boots.
• Flip-flops.
• Insect repellent.

• Flashlight: It would be ideal to have one that fastens to the head since blackouts are frequent.

• Photo camera: Make sure it has enough battery.

• Blade: It should have multiple functions.

• Sunglasses with UV protection.

• Bottles of water (ideally one liter each).

• Lightweight towel(s).

• USB to make a backup of the photos (optional).

• Walking stick (optional).

• Books and/or magazines. Card game or other lightweight table game.

• Excess clothing

• Hardback suitcases

• Jewelry

• Items that appear to be expensive.

• Smart clothes or shoes.