Sacred Valley and the Amazon Overview
This journey will take you through stunning Andean landscapes, traditional and colorful hand-made textiles, organic Andean meals cooked using hot rocks, historical and unique stone-made sites, and finally to the biodiversity of the Tambopata National Reserve. You will embark on a truly magical experience set in a completely unique location within a protected forest that allows you to experience the best wildlife observation opportunities in the Amazon region.
Arrival to Lima and Free day
Upon your arrival to Lima Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.
Explore the historic center of Lima, which is full of impressive Spanish architecture. Visit Larco Museum, which is renowned for its extensive pre-Columbian art collection, and is considered one of the top museums in South America. Continue to enjoy by indulging in the unique flavors that Lima has to offer. Peru is regarded as the culinary capital of South America and has been recognized as one of the world's leading culinary destinations.
Sacred Valley Tour
Spend pleasant moments on a farm full of Camelids, such as our charming native Llamas and Alpacas, learn the techniques of ancient weaving processes, take in the impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley from a privileged and strategic view point, and explore enormous Inca terraces and historical sites.
You will start with taking a short flight to Cusco, and upon your arrival we will transport you to The Sacred Valley of The Incas. The average elevation here is 9416 ft, which is slightly lower than Cusco (11,000 ft).
Amazing Andean landscapes, nature, picturesque valleys, and great archaeological sites from the Inca empire are abundant in this place.
The Sacred Valley is one of the few places where you can see authentic and native camelids. Our visit to the Llama and Alpaca Farm will also include the chance to see some Vicunas and Guanacos, to meet and feed gentle animals that enjoy human company, and closely observe these unique animals. Continuing the theme with a textile demonstration that relies on the wool of these precious native animals, observe the types of weaving looms, along with the ancient and natural techniques of dyeing, which utilize a variety of plants, minerals, and tools. At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to find ponchos, runners, chullos, blankets, capes, quilts, etc. for sale. Any purchases made go a long way to support the improvement of living conditions for the local families that welcome and enjoy sharing their knowledge with our guests.
Next, we make our way to a very well-located viewpoint, to enjoy the unique, captivating and almost surrealistic landscapes that the Sacred Valley offers, and the Vilcanota river which is surrounded by agricultural fields including our native Quinoa. We will pass small towns with beautiful Andean style houses, and the emblematic Wakaywillque mountain peak lies in the background. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture stunning and memorable photos along the way.
Afterwards, visit the largest fortress city of the Sacred Valley, and in fact one of the largest of ancient America. Explore archaic Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers, all of them well defended by walls, gates and towers. Continue to a textile market, full of a wide assortment of colors, styles, and designs for gifts and souvenirs to take home with you if you wish.
Finally, enjoy the tranquility of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains.
Andean Culinary experience and Panoramic train to Machu Picchu town
Today, discover Ollantaytambo town and savor a traditional Inca meal prepared on hot rocks and using local organic produce.
Ollantaytambo is a place with a wealth of history. In January 1537, the Spanish suffered their only major defeat in the battle of Ollantaytambo. Manco Inca orchestrated a surprise dawn attack by using their expert topography of the Sacred Valley, as well as Spanish horses that they had stolen. All this by their own ingenuity in order to completely defeat the Spanish forces. This was likely the reason that the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, purely because of the Manco Inca's victory at Ollantaytambo.
Moreover, Ollantaytambo is the scene of one of the most traditional and emotional legends of Peru - the forbidden romance of General Ollantay and Kusi Qoyllur.
General Ollantay, a warrior of commoner origin, was recognized for his great performance and achievements while acting as General of the Inca army. This earned him an important tribute, and during the award ceremony he was impressed and enamored with Kusi Qoyllur, daughter of the Inca Pachacútec. A secret romance between the two was not ever possible to reveal, due to the Empire's laws, which only permitted the union of individuals both with Inca lineage.
Ollantaytambo retains all of its original charm as it hasn't experienced any major physical changes since the Inca times. Discover the wonderfully characterful cobbled streets and delightful town square, plus the hugely impressive Inca stonework at the nearby archaeological sites. A great place to explore for souvenirs and local crafts which can be found at the artisanal market just a few steps away. Take your time to capture beautiful pictures with calmness and no rush.
Afterwards, walk to another picture-perfect location, surrounded by mountains and beautiful gardens, located just 15 minutes from the center of the town. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste from the Pachamanca, which translates to "earth oven".
This traditional Inca meal is cooked on hot rocks, and includes "grilled" chicken, pork, and lamb, Andean potatoes, organic vegetables, a house-made salad, and is also served with traditional sauces and the very popular local beverage Chicha Morada.
Additionally, there will be a sugar cane distillery and coffee roasting facility to visit. Please note any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
After this unique culinary experience, embark on an exclusive train journey that surrounds you with the magical landscapes, thanks to panoramic windows and the observatory car. Experience an unforgettable trip. All while enjoying our authentic culture through the music and the typical Saqra dance presentation delivered en route. Along the way you will be able to move between the panoramic car and the elegant observatory car, to fully absorb and appreciate the scenic experience on board.
Finally, if desired, relax and sit back at the local hot springs, submerge yourself in natural thermal baths, and unwind here with the incredible mountain backdrop.
Machu Picchu
Today, explore the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu which covers an area of 325 km2, and has been majestically restored, it is truly a wonder of the world.
Machu Picchu is authentic proof of the Inca's advanced engineering and architectural skills. Discover the captivating ancient culture of the Incas and their astonishing engineering projects, which were exceptionally advanced for their time. The use of deep building foundations and crushed rock for drainage was the method employed for 60% of the construction at Machu Picchu, as per expert engineer Kenneth Wright.
An enchanting, mysterious, and magical essence permeates everything on the site.
A longstanding harmonious and mesmerizing relationship between culture and nature is exemplified by the exceptional scenery and beauty of the mountain landscape.
The structures' orientation was greatly influenced by the location of nearby holy mountains, which explains more the mystery of its atmospheric position in the land.
Within all the sites, there are expressions of the Inca's cosmological vision of existence, which includes myths, legends, and everything they considered sacred.
Take a 25-minute bus ride upwards to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. Your 2.5-hour private guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings along with interesting stories and historical facts. After the tour, take the bus down, board your train back to Ollantaytambo and connect with the 2-hour land transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Amazon -Tambopata National Reserve 1/4
Tambopata National reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with a great variety of well-preserved habitats, and is home to more than 1,000 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, and hundreds of species of trees and plants.
Our expeditions aim to provide a comprehensive experience of the rainforest through immersion in nature and cultural exchange in the Peruvian Amazon.
Your stay at one of our eco-lodges makes a significant contribution to our sustainable efforts to preserve and protect pristine land and wildlife populations, as well as care for the local people.
To start, board a 45-minute flight to Puerto Maldonado. From here you’ll continue to the lodge, and after a delicious lunch, you’ll join the first group hiking to the 40-meter scaffolding Canopy Tower. A banister staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. From the top you can marvel at the spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest, the only interruption being the atmospheric Tambopata River winding through the middle. At times toucans, parrots, and macaws are seen flying against the horizon, and canopy flocks of mixed species could land in the treetop next to you.
Amazon - Tambopata National Reserve 2/4
Visit the Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake, which is thirty minutes by boat and forty-five minutes hiking from Posada Amazonas Lodge. Once there, paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant River Otters (witnessed by 60% of our lake visitors) and other lakeside wildlife such as Caiman, Hoatzin, and Horned Screamers. Otters are most active from dawn to eight or nine AM.
At Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake, you will have the option to take part in Piranha fishing, and with respect for the wildlife cycle we use the method of catching and releasing the fish back to their free natural lives.
After lunch, a visit to the Centro Ñape, a communal organization that produces holistic natural medicines developed from their advanced knowledge of forest plants, and who administers them to the patients opting for natural treatments at their small and personal clinic. They have produced a trail that explains the different medicinal (and other) uses of selected plants.
Later in the evening, you will have the option of a night walk, this is the time when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Most easy to find are native frogs whose shapes and sounds are as bizarre as their natural histories.
Amazon - Tambopata National Reserve 3/4
Today is a day to see beautiful parrots, from a viewpoint canopy located about twenty meters away. On most clear mornings it is possible to see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend to ingest the clay on the riverbank of Parrot Clay Lick.
Later, we go on a two-hour hike crowned by the largest tree in the vicinity: a Giant Ceiba tree. During the hike, you will focus on the natural history of the rainforest and its principal taxonomic groups.
Then afterwards visit the most diverse farm in the community of Infierno. The owner grows a huge variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops. In his garden, just about every plant and tree serves a purpose
Alternatively, marvel at True Amazonian Splendor: The Tambopata River is a dazzling vantage point to view the surrounding rainforest bathed in sunset colors. Flanking the river on both sides, you’ll see endless stretches of rich lowland forest, illuminated by the multi-hued light. Where the river curves, you can gaze all the way to the blue rolling hills of the Cloud Forest far in the distance. You’ll see a variety of riverside animals, from chunky Capybaras, to elegant Macaws soaring overhead. Finally, as you drink in the breathtaking views and refreshing breeze, you’ll learn about the fascinating natural and human history of this Amazonian river. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Amazon - Tambopata National Reserve 4/4: ¡Adiós! Till our next trip!
At the designated time, you will take the journey back to the city to the airport. Board your flight to Lima and with a farewell to Peru, connect to your international flight back home, taking treasured memories with you.
Price
All our tours are based on private luxury service and can be fully customized to satisfy your personal needs and preferences. Please do not hesitate to contact us at sales@andeantravelexperience.com and receive full assistance planning your customized private tour in Peru.
Our prices often vary based on the requirements of your trip, and will depend on number of travelers, length of time, type of accommodation, etc.
What Included?
- Hotel accommodations for 07 nights
- Private transportation hotel / airport/train station in every destination
- All admission fees
- Excursions as described in the itinerary
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Domestic flights: Lima - Cusco - Lima
What is not Included?
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature such as gratuities, internet charges
- Items of personal nature such as excess baggage charges, laundry.
- Beverages and meals not described in the itinerary