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| Trekking, Rafting and the Amazon |
Explore the Amazon rainforest and the Land of the Incas! Perfect for those with a taste for adventure, you'll trek, raft, and hike your way through the wonders of Peru.In the Amazonian rainforest, you'll explore jungle trails in search of monkeys and colorful birds and paddle across an oxbow lake teeming with wildlife – including the rare Giant Otter and Black Caiman. You'll hike and raft your way through the Sacred Valley, once the heart and soul of the Inca Empire. And you'll have a chance to uncover the mysteries of the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu, perched majestically in the midst of forested mountains. See first-hand the great legacy of the Incas in the streets of Cusco and the surrounding ruins, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the Andes.
You will visit Sandoval Lake Lodge, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu on this trip.
Day 1 – Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, we meet you at the airport and take you to your selected hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Lima to Puerto Maldonado to Sandoval Lake Lodge
In the morning, we return to the airport for the flight to Puerto Maldonado via Cusco. Once in Puerto Maldonado, we'll take a bus through town to the river port. It is a 35-minute journey by motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios River to the Sandoval Lake Lodge trailhead. From here, we walk for 45 minutes down a wide forest trail to a lush canal where you begin the 30-minute paddle across the lake to the lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring the lake in a catamaran, where you might see the resident Giant Otters! B, L, D
 Elyssa Kellerman |
After an early breakfast, we explore the western end of the lake in the catamaran. We might see Giant Otters that live on the lake, or encounter a Black Caiman lazily crossing the water, or see the huge splash of the Paichi, a ten-foot-long Amazonian fish, as it rises to the surface of the water to gulp down bubbles of air.
Later that morning, your naturalist guide will lead a hike through the forest, pointing out plants with medicinal uses, interesting insects, and colorful birds and butterflies.
Following lunch and a short siesta, in the late afternoon we once again board the catamaran and set off to explore the eastern end of the lake. Capuchin, Squirrel and Titi monkeys often forage along the lake's edge, and energetic guests can take another hike through forest on the other side of the lake.
After dinner, we go out on the lake to search again for the Black Caiman since they are most visible on the lake at night as they forage. Floating in the middle of the lake, the brilliant stars light up the sky as the night sounds of the rainforest surround you. B, L, D
Day 4 – Sandoval Lake Lodge to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
We'll rise early for one last lake excursion before hiking back to the Madre de Dios and returning to Puerto Maldonado for our flight to Cusco. Once there, we'll drive to the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley to the Incas. An important agricultural zone, this area was once the heart of the Inca Empire, revered for its fertile soil and rich corn fields. After lunch at a restaurant in the valley, visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo. This sprawling Incan temple complex towers over the small town from the surrounding mountains. You'll explore the ruins and get spectacular views across the town and the valley beyond. We'll spend the night at a nearby hotel. B, L
Day 5 – Sacred Valley of the Incas
In the morning, you'll head down to the Urubamba River and to your river raft, where you'll navigate Class II (and some Class III) rapids. You'll be right in the middle of fantastic Sacred Valley scenery, with its lush river bottom and backdrop of jagged Andean peaks.
After lunch, drive to the hillside town of Maras and hike to the Maras salt pans. These terraced pans, where salty water evaporates and leaves its minerals behind, have been worked continuously since Incan times. We'll then hike back down into the Sacred Valley, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to our hotel in the valley. B, L
Day 6 – Sacred Valley to Machu PicchuLeave Ollantaytambo on the early train and head to the Inca Trail. At Kilometer 104, begin the hike up to the Incan ruins of Chachabamba. After a brief visit, hike the four-hour ascent to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Here, the Inca Trail cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu to finally reach Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun, for a stunning view of the magnificent citadel. Descend into the valley to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at your selected hotel. B, L
Day 7 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
Spend the morning with your guide exploring this majestic mountain city with unbelievable vistas and ancient mysteries. You'll have an opportunity to better understand the harmonious mixture of architecture and topography so typical of Incan city planning. If you like, you can hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu's close neighbor, for an exhilarating view of the ruins complex below. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco. B, L
Day 8 – Cusco
In the morning, explore Cusco on foot. The central plaza's site has not changed since the city was the capital of the Inca empire. You can visit fine examples of both Incan and Spanish colonial architecture at Koricancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun, and at the main Cathedral in the central plaza. You'll also visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose giant boulders are placed to resemble a jaguar with an open mouth. The afternoon is free for shopping or independent exploration of the city. B
Day 9 – Cusco to Lima
Return to Lima in the morning. In the afternoon, tour the city that was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America. You'll get to know this bustling metropolis and its rugged, Pacific coastline, and see key sites and beautiful colonial architecture. You'll have day use of a hotel room, and in the evening transfer to the Lima airport for your international flight. B
| Trekking, Rafting and the Amazon | |
| Trip length | 9 days/8 nights |
| Departs | Daily |
| Per person cost | $1496.00 |
| Single supplement | $420.00 |
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| Prices based on two people sharing in 3-star accommodations. Four and 5-star accommodations available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed. | |
Staying on in Peru? Whether your interest is archaeology, wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the rich living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips and adventure trips are also a great way to see Cusco and Lima and their nearby sights. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.
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