Note: Price based on double, 3-star hotel accommodation (this can be upgraded of accomodation at an increased price, if desired) and an unescorted tour.
This tour combines a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu with a relaxed itinerary that includes four days in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. The tour service begins and ends with your arrival in Cusco, including a city sightseeing tour. You’ll enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, passing through picturesque mountains and valleys with stunning views of the Sacred Valley. The journey then continues into the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll explore various ecological zones, including the enchanting Cloud Forest. Wildlife activities are a key focus during this exploration of the Amazon lowlands, featuring visits to the Tapir Clay Lick. The tour also offers opportunities for birdwatching from specially designed towers, forest exploration walks, and night hikes, all designed to enhance your unique experience. A summary of these diverse activities ensures an unforgettable adventure in this biodiverse region.
Lima – We pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours!
Lima – Cusco, You will take a flight to Cusco, which is situated at an altitude of 3,440 meters (11,290 feet) above sea level. The flight duration is approximately one hour. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You will have a free morning to rest or acclimatize to the altitude.In the afternoon, you have the option to join a guided city tour of Cusco or explore the city on your own. Cusco is a significantly safe city, providing a comfortable environment for visitors.
The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes approximately four hours by train, traveling along one of the most impressive railways in the world. This route passes through intermontane valleys and the tropical Cloud Forest, leading you to Aguas Calientes, a town located near the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. The Vilcanota River, which flows nearby, is known for its strong currents. Upon arrival, we will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. The following morning, we will take a bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Machupicchu: Finally, the dream comes true. Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 meters above sea level, is situated in the tropical cloud forest region, where you can expect to see clouds, fog, or mist enveloping the Inca site. There may be times when we must wait for the weather to clear, photogenic llamas grazing nearby enhance this wonderful experience. Later, we will carefully explore the Machupicchu Sanctuary. You will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, and if you feel physically energized, you can climb the sacred Huayna Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to the city of Cusco.
Cusco – Manu Biosphere Reserved Zone (4 days, 3 nights).Early in the morning, we will pick you up for a private bus ride that will take us from the high elevations, passing through colonial towns and into the Cloud Forest. Eventually, we will arrive at the habitat of the exotic Peruvian national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana). Here, we will explore various Amazonian birds and other wildlife, including the Golden-Headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) and various species of hummingbirds. In the evening, we will stay at the Rainforest Lodge.
Today, we will continue our adventure with a two-hour bus ride to Atalaya Port. Along the way, we will visit the hummingbird garden. There, the Madre de Dios River widens, and we will board our motorized boat for a four-hour journey downstream, arriving at Bonanza Lodge. In the afternoon, we will take a walk to our Tapir Clay Lick, where large animals such as tapirs, deer, porcupines, and pacas often appear at night to lick minerals. After dark, we will embark on a night walk—this is the best time to observe a variety of nocturnal creatures, including frogs, tarantulas, snakes, and other arthropods.
On this day, we will depart early to explore the jungle, focusing on both transitional and primary forest ecosystems. There will be numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, including monkeys, peccaries, and anteaters. We will engage in extensive birdwatching from the canopy tower, where we may see macaws, toucans, woodpeckers, parrots, oropendolas, and more. Throughout the day, you will gain valuable insights into nature and its ecological interactions. Your guide will provide information on the benefits of medicinal plants and local practices.
Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Cusco We will depart from Bonanza Lodge by boat early in the morning, heading to Port Atalaya. From there, we will take a van to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest and the Andes Mountains, and arriving in Cusco in the early evening.
A flight from Cusco to Lima takes one hour and 20. Depending on your schedule you can connect your international flight or continue with another planned trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Cusco is reconiged as the Historic Capital of Peru.
2. Machupicchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
3. The Amazon Rainforest is considered a natural wonder. Manu National Park is the often referred as Worlds Lungs.
Note: Price based on double, 3-star hotel accommodation (this can be upgraded of accomodation at an increased price, if desired) and an unescorted tour.