7-days in Peru - Machu Picchu and Tambopata

Upon landing, we'll be expecting you at Cusco Airport. Once ready, together we will go in private transportation towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Because of its lower elevation (2,870 m or 9,415 ft) and its peaceful atmosphere, this valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco while you acclimatize.

If time allows, we might make a short stop to see all the different camelids of Peruvian Andes at the "Manos de la Comunidad" workshop on the outskirts of Cusco.

Finally, if you fancy it, we can take a 35-minute detour to reach Ancasmarca, a beautiful pre-Inca archaeological site with commanding views of the Sacred Valley area around Calca, that very few people visit.

The Sacred Valley is the true heartland of Inca culture and today, we'll visit some of its more unusual sites - Moray Circular Terraces and Maras Salt Pans.

Our first activity, however, is a rather unique one. We will visit an Andean community called Misminay, where Flora's family will be happy to host us. We'll learn about local textiles and cook a nice Andean lunch together.

Afterward, we'll go on a short hike to a nearby viewpoint from where we have a unique view of Moray. Its circular terraces, built upon a natural depression, seem to have been an agricultural experimental station.

It is then time to say goodbye to our new friends from Misminay and make way to Maras, a salt-extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. Locals have been collecting and selling the salt at the markets of the region since before the Inca times.

 Today is the big day! But first, we'll begin by visiting Ollantaytambo, a village that has not changed much since Inca times and whose namesake archeological site features impressive stonework only seconded by that of Machu Picchu.

Next, we head to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, from which it takes a 30-minute bus up the steep zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain setting.

Shrouded by the mist of the Andes and surrounded by steep escarpments and lush vegetation, it's a sight that lives up to every expectation. Once here, together with our private guide, we’ll prepare to explore every corner of the awe-inspiring citadel. 

Strap on your walking shoes! It is time for a stroll around Cusco’s historical center.

Our walking tour will take us not only through the most touristic sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square, and the “Koricancha” or Temple of the Sun but also through lively neighborhoods and local markets where you can discover the true magic of Cusco. This is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people.

A spot we like to visit, where few others go, is San Francisco Church, impressive with its colonial architecture, catacombs, and excellent rooftop views of the city.

Why not end the day at a local restaurant, indulging in the very best of Andean cuisine?

This morning, we'll head to the local airport to board our flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to Peru's Southern Amazon and the Tambopata National Reserve.

Upon arrival, we'll be welcomed by our local guide and head to our nearby office to drop off our excess luggage, register, and make some last-minute shopping.

Afterward, we head to the port in the Infierno Community where we will embark on our one and a half-hour boat trip up Tambopata River. Soak in the vegetation and see some wildlife.

Once at the lodge we'll be shown the facilities and briefed on the do and don'ts in the rainforest. This afternoon we'll go for a short walk to observe some local flora such as Ironwood or Kapok trees and maybe birds such as Trogons, quails, and wild turkeys.

Early wakeup calls are a must in the Amazon if you wish to spot wildlife so this morning we'll leave at dusk and travel upriver to observe parrots, parakeets, and the occasional mammal feeding at La Torre Clay Lick.

Breakfast is served upon returning to the lodge and after a rest, we'll make way downriver to the starting point of the Tres Chimbadas Trail. From here, we must walk 45 minutes to reach the lake where we board a traditional catamaran to navigate across this ribbon lake. With some luck, we'll spot birds, reptiles, small mammals, and above all, the giant river otter can also be seen. We can practice some catch and release fishing or hook a piranha.

After lunch, we will visit a local farm where traditional agriculture is practiced. This is an excellent opportunity to see, harvest, and try various exotic fruits, aromatic herbs, and medicinal plants widely used by locals.

Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to our Amazonian friends.

After breakfast, we'll board the boat to return to Puerto Maldonado, where we'll pass by our office to collect any baggage we might have left. Then, we continue to the local airport to board the flight to Lima where you'll be able to connect with your international flight home.

We hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that the Sacred and the Amazonian region of Peru have to offer. The rich natural beauty, storied history, and the people make the county what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!