Note: Price based on double, 3-star hostal accommodation (this can be upgraded at an increased price, if desired) and an unescorted tour.
PUNO-INCA TRAIL-MANU RAINFOREST
15D/14N
- Departure
Cusco
- when
From April to November
- Difficulty
Moderate
- type
Private
overview
This program offers a visit to the south of Peru, starting in Lima with a flight to Puno- Juliaca situated at 3,827 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest city in Peru. Next, you will visit the famous navigable Lake Titicaca (3,812 meters above sea level), located in the flatlands of the Altiplano region, exploring the cultures of the Aymaras and their islands.
The Inca Trail (43.KM): a pilgrimage of history, adventure, and personal discovery. The Inca Trail in Peru provides a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, connect with nature, and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines the thrill of hiking with the richness of history and culture, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice. 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.”
Notes:
Visit to Huaynapicchu: To visit Huayna Picchu mountain, a reservation must be made well in advance. An additional fee of $65.00 USD is required, which covers the entry to this site. This fee is necessary to guarantee access to Huayna Picchu. Please note that entry to Huayna Picchu is scheduled for 10:00 AM, in accordance with the new state law effective July 18, 2011.
Extra Porter: In accordance with the porter law (26702) and supervised by the Ministry of Labor, the engagement of an extra porter is contingent upon the client’s requirements. Each client’s suitcase must weigh no more than 12 kilos, and the porter’s personal belongings must not exceed 5 kilos, resulting in a total weight limit of 20 kilos as stipulated by law. The cost for porter service is $130.00 USD. This fee includes transportation, entry to the Inca Trail, food, and camping equipment.
daily summary
Day 1
Arrival to Lima
Lima – We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You may spend the rest of the day at your leisure, or you can choose to explore the city of Lima.
Day 2
Lima – Flight to Juliaca - Puno
“Lima – Puno – Flight to Juliaca (3,827 meters above sea level; flight duration is approximately one and a half hours). We will transfer you to Puno City, where you can enjoy the flatlands and the unique landscape of the Altiplano environment. You will have a free afternoon to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 3
Puno – Titicaca Lake
Puno – Islands – We will take a boat to the reed-covered lake islands of Amantani. There are some steps to climb to reach the main center of the community, where we will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the sunset and the landscapes of the island. You will spend the night and interact with a native Aymara family on Amantani Island.
Day 4
Titicaca Lake TAQUILE ISLAND
Puno Island (at 3,820 meters) offers a unique day to explore the lake, particularly the community of Taquile, known for its distinctive weaving techniques. The typical lifestyle is based on agriculture, and Taquile Island is home to some of the best Quechua-speaking weavers in the world. There are many places to visit, and you can engage in experiential tourism, including visits to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples, swimming at the beaches, and enjoying the breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca. We will return to Puno City for the night
Day 5
Puno – bus to Cusco
Travel on an exclusive panoramic bus from Cusco to Puno along the Route of the Sun, traversing the Altiplano region in southern Peru. This journey features guided visits to ancient Inca archaeological sites, including the Lithic Museum of Pukara, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas Sistine Chapel of America, and includes a delicious and varied buffet lunch in a scenic mountain setting, with continuous assistance from a professional guide.
We will make six stops to appreciate the breathtaking Andes mountain like la Raya Pass 4,313 meters range and explore both Pre-Inca and Inca archaeological sites. There will be time to leisurely stroll around the charming Main Square in Cusco. At 19:30, you will participate in a briefing with your tour guide regarding the Inca Trail
Day 6
Cusco-km 82-AYAPATA
Cusco – Inca Trail to Machupicchu (4 days and 3 nights trekking)
We leave by bus from Cusco (3350m), at 5:30am. Along the way we see extensive fields of crops and towns that maintain their ancestral traditions and customs. Kilometer 82 marks the meeting place with the support team (porters) and the starting point of the Inca Trail.
After three hours of walking we will have lunch in Hatunchaka (3000 mt), a small village where you can buy water, snacks and use the bathrooms. We continue to our Ayapata camp (3300 mt), the last town on the route.
Walking time: 05 hours.
Day 7
AYAPATA – WARMIHUAÑUSKA - PacaymayU
Sunrise offers the most pleasant panorama of a cozy and enigmatic setting. In the morning we will resume the path, climbing the Ayapata ravine (3300m), Lulluchapampa (3850m) and then the highest pass called “Warmihuañusca” (4200m), where we observe the impressive Nevado Verónica. After enjoying the panoramic view we descend to the Pacaymayu valley (3500m) where our lunch and overnight stay awaits us at the camp of the same name.
Walking time: 07 – 08 hours.
Day 8
Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna
It is the longest and most beautiful day, due to the constant changes in the ecosystem: in the morning we continue the path to the Runcuracay pass (3950 mt): a place where we see the panoramic view of the Aobamba valley (34000 mt) in the depth of the tropical forest.
They get denser. We will visit the archaeological site of Runcuracay (3750 mt), Sayacmarka (3650 mt) and Phuyupatamarca (3600 mt) where we will have lunch before continuing to the last camp of Wiñayhuayna (2650 mt).
Walking time: 08 – 09 hours.
Day 9
Wiñayhuayna–Machupicchu–Cusco
After a coca tea to get up at 3:00am, we head with our flashlights to the control point, this day we don’t have a traditional breakfast but a box meal, after waiting for the opening of the gate we continue towards the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku) at 2780 mt, where the dawn of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu appears by surprise. At 8 am, we visit the city of Machu Picchu (2400 mt), a place that will enrich us, due to its history and culture (2 hours of guidance), in harmony with nature. Then we will go down by bus to Aguas Calientes for the last lunch before taking the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and continuing by bus to Cusco.
Walking time: 03 hours.
Day 10
Free day in Cusco
Cusco – Free Day in Cusco
You can explore the city of Cusco, visiting its museums, cathedrals, and Inca sites. Alternatively, consider the Sacred Valley Tour, which includes Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Salineras, or choose any other destination of your preference. Enjoy the local cuisine, shop, or simply relax. You can also walk through the Main Square and visit local markets.
Day 11
Cusco – Rainforest Lodge (Manu National Park)
Cusco – Manu Biosphere Reserved Zone (6 days, 5 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.
Day 12
Rainforest Lodge – Bonanza Ecological Reserve
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.
Day 13
Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Bonanza. 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.
Day 14
Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Cusco
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.
Day 15
Cusco – Flight to Lima
Cusco – Lima – A 1 hour 45 minute flight will bring us back to Lima, to connect your international flight or continue with your trip.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
1. Titicaca Lake, The highest navigable lake in the world is an extraordinary spectacle wherever one looks. The lake is surrounded by reed beds and dotted with many islands and Aymaras Culture.
2. Cusco, is recognized as the Historic Capital of Peru.
3. The Inca Trail is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as one of the top five treks in the world. It is the premier route for reaching Machu Picchu on foot and is considered a sacred journey.
4. Machupicchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
5. The Amazon Rainforest, is considered a natural wonder, often referred to as the “World’s Lungs.” The jungle in Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.
Tour Includes:
- All hostal accommodation (1 home-stay on the island trip and 3 nights tents on the Inca trail and 3 nights in jungle lodge accommodation on jungle trip)
- Pick-ups from airports/bus stations to hotels and vice versa
- Breakfast is included in all accommodation (lunch and dinner are included only where stated)
- 2 flights: Lima – Puno, Cusco – Lima
- Island Trip. Includes boat transport, Guide, basic family accommodation and food
- First Class Coach to Cusco. Includes Guide, lunch and 6 stops along the way in order to see pre-Inca, Inca and Spanish sites
- Inca Trail: Includes transport, guide, camping tent, and mattress, food, entrance fee to Inka Trail and Machupicchu, train back to Cusco.
- Jungle Trip. Includes transport , food, accommodation and Guide and entrance fees.
What you need to take:
- Warm and waterproof jackets, gloves and hats. (Traditional gloves and hats can be bought in Puno, Arequipa and Cusco)
- Torch for the Island trip and Jungle Trip
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- For the Inca Trail, Original passport, Sleeping bag. Sun hat, Water purification tablets, Toiletries, Walking boots etc.