Please note: because trip highlights can be subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | PERU BY STARLIGHT
Upon arriving in Lima, a representative will meet you at the airport and deliver you to the Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or equivalent), located in the capital city’s elegant seaside suburb of Miraflores.
DAY 2 | RETREAT TO THE RAINFOREST
Leaving Lima behind, catch an early morning flight to Puerto Maldonado, a booming tropical frontier town situated at the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. Head down to the river port and take off on a motorized canoe journey to Posada Amazonas, a luxurious yet unpretentious lodge owned jointly by Rainforest Expeditions and the Ese’eja Native Community of Tambopata. During the boat ride, try to spot a black skimmer, capped heron or jabiru stork, just a few of the spectacular bird species common along the river’s edge. Arrive at the lodge, unpack, unwind and get ready for the afternoon’s activity: an ethnobotanical hike with an Ese’eja native. Explore nearby trails while learning about the everyday uses of forest medicine, construction, food and fiber. Return to Posada Amazonas for dinner accompanied by a video about the Tambopata forest. Retire to your room and rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
DAY 3 | DELVE DEEPER INTO THE JUNGLE
Take a leisurely canoe ride around Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake, a haven for wildlife such as turtles, hoatzin and wading birds as well as a resident family of giant river otters. As the day goes on, tropical sunlight makes the cool water quite tempting, so go for a refreshing swim. Then travel up the Tambopata River, crossing into the proposed Tambopata National Park, a vast and remote area rich with wildlife. You might even see a capybara or caiman if you’re lucky. A chorus of semi-wild macaws greet you as you arrive at the Tambopata Research Center in the early afternoon. After a brief orientation, walk the Bamboo Trail, famous for an abundance of rare birds, exclusive to this tropical habitat. Howler and dusky titi monkeys also make Southern Peru their home, so try and see one if you can. End your hike at an overlook popular among canopy birds such as tanagers, elaenias, guans and oropendolas. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | A WILDLIFE OASIS AWAITS
Wake up to a brilliant rainbow of birds as you take in the world’s largest macaw clay lick, where hundreds of brilliantly colored parrots and macaws congregate daily. When the bird activity wanes, return to the research center for breakfast and a hike on the Ocelot Trail, a slice of quintessential rainforest. Learn about rainforest ecology and keep close watch: saddleback tamarins, squirrel and brown capuchin monkeys or a collared peccary might cross your path. And while jungle cats themselves tend to be elusive, look for ocelot, puma or jaguar tracks. In the afternoon, hike to the palm swamp, a nesting colony and preferred roost for blue and gold and red-bellied macaws. Don’t forget your camera, since the late afternoon sun provides a perfect photo opportunity. Hike back to the lodge for dinner and then enjoy an optional evening walk through the forest, surrounded by colorful frogs and insects. Overnight at Tambopata Research Center. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | SEASONALLY FLOODED FOREST AND OXBOW LAKE
Make an early morning visit to the macaw clay lick, then return for breakfast and a walk through a seasonally flooded forest. Watch for wading birds and maybe even a howler monkey enjoying a cool drink of water. After lunch, take a short boat ride to a small, drying oxbow lake and spend the afternoon birdwatching for hoatzin, ibis, chachalaca, parakeets and oropendolas. Return to the center for dinner, an optional evening outing and overnight lodging. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | REST, RELAXATION AND MORE WILDLIFE
Return to the macaw clay lick for one last sight of the colorful bird gathering or sleep in until breakfast, then hike around the area in search of wildlife – or head back to the oxbow lake. Return to the center for lunch and later, leave for Posada Amazonas, where you’ll spend your last jungle night in luxury. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | EXPLORE RUINS AND COLORFUL MARKETS
Catch a morning flight to Cuzco and descend into the Urubamba Valley, the sacred land of the Incas. Along the way, stop at Pisaq, a picturesque Andean village best known for its Sunday markets. Try your hand at bartering as you search for the perfect souvenir among the traditional crafts, silver jewelry, ceramics, woven blankets and hand-knit sweaters. Venture to a comfortable hotel for registration and lunch. Then visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, a strategically located fortress once designed to protect Cuzco from invading jungle tribes. Note the city’s intriguing street plan, which still resembles how the Incas first established it out hundreds of years ago. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS
After an early breakfast, journey to the mysterious ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. No one knows for sure what the Incas used this elaborate series of structures for. Was it the home of Incan ruler Pachak Kutek? Did it house an ample coca leaf supply for Cuzco’s priests and royals? Perhaps it was used for strategic and defensive purposes or even as a university? Ponder these questions and devise your own theory as you wander through Machu Picchu’s intricate maze of empty plazas, chambers and dwellings. After your day exploring the lost Inca civilization, retire to a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | RETURN TO THE RUINS
Spend the morning exploring Aguas Calientes or venture back to the ruins. If you’re inspired, retrace the Inca Trail and take in the surreal cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu from a high vantagepoint. After lunch, return by train to Cuzco for a night of Peruvian food and fun. Sample a local restaurant and check out the sounds of salsa at a nearby nightclub. Overnight at one of Cuzco’s well-regarded hotels. [B,L]
DAY 10 | A GRAND TOUR OF CUZCO'S HISTORIC PAST
After a hearty breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Cuzco, the heart of Peru’s pre-Colombian Empire. Visit Santo Domingo and see some of the finest Inca stonework in existence; the Cathedral, which contains over four hundred 12th century paintings by the members of the renowned Cuzco School; the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by Colonial arcades, remains of ancient Incan temples and churches; and Sacsayhuaman, an immense and well-preserved Incan ruin just outside the city. After the tour, scout out local markets for bargains and then relax and retire to a three-star hotel in Cuzco. [B]
DAY 11 | MOVING ON TO LAKE TITICACA
Journey to the city of Puno, located on the banks of vast Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Along the way visit the village of Andahuaylillas and explore a 17th century church that houses wonderful murals, an elaborate gold-leaf ceiling and important Colonial paintings. Continue traveling on the paved road toward Puno, stopping along the way to photograph the Andean scenery and villages. Return to Puno in the afternoon and stay overnight at the nearby Hotel Libertador in Esteves Island. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | FLOATING ISLANDS AND TAQUILE ISLAND
Take a morning boat ride on the crystal clear waters of Lake Titicaca and visit the floating islands of the Uros. Constructed from interwoven totora reed, these intriguing islands were first constructed centuries ago by the Uros to protect themselves from their rival Incas and Collas. Now they attract many a curious traveler like yourself. Later, visit the island of Taquile, home to about 300 families who closely adhere to a traditional way of life. Notice the breathtaking view of Lake Titicaca and the Cordillera Real of Bolivia. As you explore Taquile, colorfully dressed locals go about their daily rituals. You’ll see women working on traditional looms and men knitting intricately designed hats. Before you leave, pick up a hat or other homespun garment for yourself at the islanders’ cooperative store near the central square. In the afternoon, return to Puno and spend the night at Esteves Island’s Hotel Libertador. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | HASTA LUEGO
On your last day in Peru, explore the Puno area and share a farewell lunch with your fellow travelers at the hotel. Head on to the Lima airport and catch a flight back home, leaving the colorful land of Peru behind but taking a rich, rewarding experience with you. [B,L]
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