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Enjoy the adventure at Rainforest and follow the Inca
trail
Airfares
NOT INCLUDED, can easily be included in the package upon
request
Customizable
YES, feel free to ask for extra services or
modifications
DAY 1 LIMA
Pick up upon arrival at Lima’s airport and transportation to the hotel.
Overnight (No meals)
DAY 2 PUERTO MALDONADO
Early breakfast and pick up to go to the airport for your flight to Puerto
Maldonado (airfare not included).
Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the Madre de
Dios River. A 25 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe
brings you to the riverside trailhead to Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the
trail takes you on a 2-miles (3,2-kilometers) walk through secondary forest,
until we reach a small canal where we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards
(201 meters) through a flooded forest of 100-foot (30-meters) tall Mauritia
palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface of the lake, we
transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled across half the lake to
the lodge.
After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat, we will
learn about the history of the lodge and the philosophy of its founders.
Then we once again board the catamaran and set off to explore the entire
west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded palm forest we drift to the
sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied Macaws as they return to the palm forest
for the night. This macaw species is found locally in parts of the Amazon,
always living in flooded palm forests such as the beautiful palm stand at
Sandoval Lake. At 500-800 birds, this flock of macaws at Sandoval Lake is
currently the largest reported in the world for this highly-specialized
macaw.
As night falls we will look for the large and extremely rare Black Caimans.
If it is a clear starlit night, we will also be able to float in the middle
of the lake to marvel at the brilliance of the sky and listen to the sounds
of the forest.
We return to the lodge for a short video or slide presentation and dinner.
At any point, you could step out from the bar to admire the wide variety of
nocturnal moths, beetles and praying mantis attracted to our black light in
the lodge clearing.
For those with lots of energy, our guide will take us on a short night-walk
into the forest behind the lodge. (B, L,D).
DAY 3 SANDOVAL LAKE
A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable us to be on the lake for sunrise and a
hopeful encounter with the family of Giant Otters who frequent the lake and
are most active at this time of day. Sandoval Lake offers abundant wildlife
including over 40 species of birds resident to its lake margins, most of the
fish-eating water birds around the lake actively fish in the early morning
as well, and this outing should provide excellent views, of the prehistoric-
looking Hoatzins, These are easy to observe and also photograph from the
paddled canoes or catamarans.
After returning for a late breakfast we set off into the cool under story of
the tall virgin forest near the lake to see some towering wild Brazil Nut
trees and a demonstration of how our hosts collect, open and commercialize
this important natural product.
After lunch and an hour or so to relax we once again board the catamaran to
explore the eastern part of the lake, where we might see one or more of the
five species of monkeys who live in the forest near the lake, such as the
Brown Capuchin Monkey and Squirrel Monkey.
Before dinner we will again enjoy an informative natural history video or
slide presentation. We will leave after dinner to try and spot some Black
Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night walk through the primary
forest. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 RAINFOREST
After a dawn breakfast, we will cross the lake by catamaran and take a short
walk into the interior of the Mauritia palm forest to stand beneath and
closely view the impressive morning congregations, this place has a very
interesting concentration of parrots, parakeets and large and small macaws
that can be observed using dead Mauritia palm trees, some of them are
resident nesters (Yellow headed Parrot, Mealy Parrot, Blue headed Parrot,
Scarlet Macaw, blue and Yellow Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut fronted
Macaw, Dusky headed Parakeet, Red bellied Macaw, Cobalt winged Parakeet, Tui
Parakeet).
Returning from the macaw show we will cross the lake to explore a primary
forest trail and admire the impressive ancient rainforest trees and lianas
with our knowledgeable resident naturalist guide. As we walk, the forest
will be brought to life as your guide explains the ecology of the rainforest
and its diverse flora and fauna.
We return for lunch, and then there is an optional rest for those who would
like to escape the early afternoon heat. For those still full of energy,
there is an option to independently explore some of the forest trails using
our trail map. You might stroll through our medicinal plant garden or watch
hummingbirds visiting the nectar feeders, or the tanagers visiting our fruit
feeders.
In the cooler late afternoon we will once again board the catamaran to
explore the eastern end of the lake, and hopefully experience a spectacular
sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge for dinner. For some
people, an alternative afternoon activity would be to relax on benches
inside the forest perched above a clear running stream in which a variety of
bathing hummingbirds and forest birds visit.
After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman on the lake,
or to go on a short night hike through the forest. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO
After early breakfast we leave near dawn and we take a final, shorter paddle
around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse the Giant Otters before
returning by motor canoe for the 35 minutes return trip to the Puerto
Maldonado Airport, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife
activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco (airfare not included).
Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel
where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height,
will have the day to rest.
Pick up and according time to go a Dinner Show in a tourist Restaurant then
overnight (B, D).
DAY 6 CUSCO CITY TOUR
Breakfast and morning free; in the afternoon we will depart on a guided city
tour, where tourist have the opportunity to visit 6 places (entrance to the
archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main square,
Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a
route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q'enko,
Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 6:30pm approximately at the main
square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in
the area, then overnight. (B)
NOTES:
*City tour: from 1.45pm to 6:30pm approx. (Pickup from the hotel starts at
1:15pm)
*Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: Adding $30 per person
INCA TRAIL 4DAYS 3 NIGHTS
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is definitely one of the most requested tours
for those who visit Peru looking for adventure. We will offer a walking
adventure with unique style. You will enjoy from the beginning to the end,
of amazing landscapes of the Andes and a great mix of highlands and jungle.
There is no other natural place in our planet which could show you a
constantly changing variety of ecological floors, surrounded by astonishing
mountains and rivers, as well as a great variety of animals and plants.
Architectonical art is perfectly harmonic with the natural environment and
all of these natural wonders are added to the Inca buildings which worth the
effort to visit and enjoy.
Important Note: We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names &
passport numbers that you send us with your trek booking application. You
must bring these same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the Inca
Trail. If the name or number in your passport is different from the name and
number on the trek permit, the government authorities will not allow you to
start the trek and you will not be entitled to a refund. If you plan to
renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting
the trek you will must bring the 2 passports (old and new). If you make a
trek booking at the student price you must send us a copy of your ISIC card
at the time you pay the trek deposit. If you fail to bring your ISIC card on
the trek the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek.
You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference in price!
DAY 7 PISCACUCHO (Km.82)–HUAYLLABAMBA (The Easy day)
You will be picked up from your hotel at scheduled time, and transferred in
our private car to KM 82. The route will go through the beautiful Sacred
Valley of the Incas. After approximately one hour and a half, we will cross
the little town of Ollantaytambo, where we will make a little stop to take
some pictures of this fortress and have a little rest. We will continue our
trip following a rural road that goes parallel to the railroad, which will
lead us to the KM 82, where we will unpack and get prepared to the walking
with our excursion team (cookers, assistants and porters). At this point,
the passengers will have to show their passports to the security personnel
of the Sanctuary and once these has been reviewed they will be able to cross
a bridge that will take you to the other side of the river where they will
start climbing in a parallel line to the Urubamba River, which goes from
north to west across the Sacred Valley. In this first section of the Inca
Trail, we will visit the Community of Miskay (2800 meters), where we will
stop for meeting the natives and try the popular drink known as “chicha”,
which is offered by the ladies of this place. Later we will start climbing
through a little tableland where we will experience an amazing Andean
landscape, and see in the base of the mountains a beautiful Inca building
known as “Patallacta”, located at 2750 meters over sea level. At this point
we will stop and our local guide will provide us information regarding this
interesting Inca legacy. After that, we will continue walking for two hours
along the Cusichaca River, going upwards until reaching a beautiful spot
where we will stop for lunch and take a little break.
Shortly after that, we will continue walking through a zone full of
vegetation, where is highly probable seeing the beautiful giant hummingbird
native from this region. After a two hours walk we will arrive to our first
camping, located in the zone of Wayllabamba at 3000 meters height.
You will be able to enjoy a marvelous Andean landscape and the majesty of
Veronica Mountain, 5832 meters over sea level.
Camps will be assigned depending on the availability of entrants to the Inca
Trail, seasons. (B, L, D)
NOTE: It is normal if the first day feels hot during the dry season
(May to September). We strongly recommend bringing light and fresh clothing,
as well as a good sunscreen and a hat to protect your face.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 3000 M
Minimum Altitude: 2650 M
Distance traveled: 12 km
Approximate time of walk: 5 to 6 hours.
DAY 8 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYU (The challenge day)
In this second day of the Inca Trail we will wake up early, around 06:00 am.
This will be necessary in order to get ready and have breakfast before
starting the excursion. Later we will start walking through a narrow road
covered by plants, across a little bridge that will take us towards a cloudy
forest of a unique beauty. In this section of the trip you should climb many
stairs, for which we recommend taking all the time that is needed and
stopping for a break when necessary. Following the route, we will arrive to
the Llulluchapampa sector, where we will make a quick stop just to rest and
get prepared to climb to the highest point of our walk, the famous pass
Warmyhuañuska, located at 4200 meters above the sea level. These sectors
include about 2 kilometers of distance and are a bit steep, for which we
will recommend going slowly and stopping for a break whenever needed. In
this part of the trip we will face the most difficult part of the walk, as
we will be over 4200 meter height; however this part is also known as one of
the most beautiful landscapes of the world. Once we have reached the top of
the mountain, we will be granted with a spectacular view of the Andean
mountains. For this special day, we recommend bringing some chocolates,
lemon candy, a lot of water and even some coca leaves. In the top we will be
able to take the classic pictures of the Inca Trail. After that we will
descend by a winding valley until the point where we will stop and have
lunch. During this last part it is possible to watch diverse type of wild
birds.
At last we will arrive to the camp of Pacaymayo (3600 meters above sea
level) where we will spend a comfortable night. Pacaymayo is an official
camp, and that is why it has baths and showers; however, we should be aware
that the water in this part is really cold. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum altitude: 4200 M
Minimum Altitude: 3000 M
Distance traveled: 13 km
Approximate time of walk: 6 - 7 hours
DAY 9 PACAYMAYU – WIÑAYWAYNA (The unforgettable day)
A lot of visitors feel that this is one of the longest days of the
excursion, but at the same time, one of the most beautiful due to the
presence of marvelous Inca buildings along the road. This day we will get up
at 06:00 hours. After a tasty breakfast we will start our walk climbing
through a steep road. Soon we will arrive to Runkurakay ruins, a beautiful
Inca oval building which is believed to be as a Inca watchtower. After
hearing the historical explanation we will continue until Runkurakay pass,
located at 3900 meters above sea level. During this trip we will find a
little lake where sometimes you can watch Andean goose and other native bird
species. After the pass, we will descend to a beautiful valley full of
plants; here we will visit Sayacmarka ruins, located 3624 meters height.
This is an interesting Inca construction, built over a steep slope,
surrounded by marvelous mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will
continue descending to the cloudy forest, arriving to the Puyupatamarka
ruins, composed of impressive fountains and water channels that are
spectacular works of hydraulic engineering made by the Incas. At this stop
we will have a good time, after which we will continue down to reach one of
the most beautiful Inca buildings of the place: the ruins of Wiñaywayna.
These are without any doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins after
Machu Picchu. Wiñaywayna means "forever young" and it is said that acquired
said name due to the abundance of an orchid that bears the same name. After
exploring every corner of Wiñaywayna we head to our last camp, which is
located a few meters away.
Accommodation: Camping
Máximum Altitude: 3900 M
Minimum Altitude: 2700 M
Distance traveled: 16 km
Approximate hiking time: 7 to 8 hours.
DAY 10 WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU (The special day)
On the last day we will wake up very early, at 04:00 hrs. After breakfast,
we will quickly go and pass the control gate to enter the path that leads
directly to Machu Picchu. It is advisable to bring a good flashlight,
because this time it is normally dark here. After walking for about one hour
and a half, we will arrive at Inti Punku or Sun Gate, a magnificent point
from where you can see the city of Machu Picchu. At this point we can relax
for a few minutes, take pictures of the group, and finally go down to reach
the recognized as one of the seventh wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.
It was long thought that Machu Picchu was only part of a legend, until in
1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it only after many
expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430 meters above
sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest with an extraordinary
location. It was without any doubt one of the most amazing urban creation in
Inca times. Its massive walls, terraces and ramps seem to be continually cut
in the rocky cliffs. Our guide will take you on a tour of the most
impressive of this beautiful Inca city. This will take us about 2 hours,
after which we have free time to explore each city on our own taste and
preference. Then return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, to take the
train that will take us back to the city. At the time indicated on the
ticket of train our staff will be waiting at the station, from where we will
transfer to your hotel. (B)
Maximum altitude: 2700 M
Minimum Altitude: 2400 M
Distance: 6 km
Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hours.
DAY 11 TRANSFER OUT
Breakfast and according time, transportation will be provided to go the
airport (B).
*INCA TRAIL INFORMATION
OUR SERVICE INCLUDED
*Transfer by bus to km.82 (trail head)
*Entrance Fee, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
*A large tent, for each 2 persons.
*Mattress, one per person.
*Kitchen tent.
*Dining tent.
*Enough tables and chairs.
*English speaking professional tour guide (over 8 members, 2 guides).
*An expert cook.
*Porters (to carry tent, food, cooking equipment)
*Train Ticket
*Full meals during the trek.
*Daily snack bag.
*Daily afternoon tea service.
*Daily wake up tea, and hot water for washing.
*Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
*Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
*Transfer train station / hotel
*Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
NO INCLUDED:
*Breakfast first day (you can order an early breakfast at your hotel)
*Lunch last day
*Hot springs pool visit (on your own).
*Tips to the crew (guides, cooks and porters).
*Sleeping bag
WHAT WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING
A backpack with necessary change of clothes for the whole period of the
trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos
can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also
recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold
conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been
reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please
note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very
complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients
being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in
our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic
water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail. Plastic water
containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from
streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled
water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$ (No ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for
a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to
damage the Inca Trail)
********************************************************************* STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your scan copy
ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your other information.
Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount.
This is the ONLY Student card to
apply the discount
When booking a trek: The government has strictly limited the
number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2009 (permits are issued
to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make
a trek booking as early as possible. In 2008 the trek permits for some dates
sold out more than 4 months in advance!! However don't make a booking until
you have all the group details (names, passport numbers, ages etc) and you
are sure about your trek departure date since "these details cannot be
changed after we have bought your trek permit"
* Participants need to be in good physical health and condition it is good
for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks in a
single day to enjoy the Inka Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you
have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inka Trail
adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their
own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition,
we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka Trail
Expedition.
Take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, You can leave the rest
of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels and hostals has an
storage rooms to keep it until your return)
PARK REGULATIONS
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those
indicate The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected
area of 32,592 hectares. Every visitor must obey park regulations
prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging
stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting
open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites
can be used).
1. Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as
clothes, sleeping bag etc. The services of a third of a porter (maximum 9kg
or 18lb per person) can be hired for US$135. If you hire the services of a
third of a porter (you will need to supply the small padlock). However, even
with this service you will still need to take a daypack to carry your
essential items such as rain poncho, warm fleece, camera and water bottle.
Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum number of
porters that we can use in each group has now been capped. This is why we
have had to limit the maximum amount of personal equipment that you can give
to a porter to carry for you to 7kg or 14lb per person. (The maximum amount
that each porter can carry on the Inca Trail has also been limited to 20kg
or 42lb per porter). Approximately 30% of our clients hire the services of
an extra third porter.
2. We can also provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets at no
extra cost but we need to know when you make the trek reservation.
3. You can hire sleeping bags in our office. All sleeping bags are synthetic
(easy to wash). They are washed after every use and are guaranteed to be
clean.
Cost: US$35 per person for the 4 day/3 night trek. Weight 2.5 kg and are
rated to 12 degrees below freezing (nice and warm even during the coldest of
nights experienced on the Inca Trail).
TRAIN SERVICES:
The Vistadome connect your senses through a sophisticated and sensory travel
experience; is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the
environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.
Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows
offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture
amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of the
impressive landscape of Peru.
The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that
adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip and
has a different service, which allows the visitor to be immersed and feel
the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and even food
carefully prepared with local ingredients
The Expedition is a travel experience with all the quality and benefits at a
lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s comfort, with four
passenger seats located in front of each other, so you can share your
experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we offer
racks placed above the seats. Also, this train has panoramic windows, air
conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful
atmosphere.
INCLUDES: All hotel and lodge accommodations based on double or single
occupancy. All scheduled transportation. All transfers. All scheduled excursions
with English-speaking guide services. All entrance fees. Meals as specified in
the itinerary. B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.
IMPORTANT: For a better service, the company informs you that it has
autonomy to change the Hotels mentioned in the itinerary with another one of
similar category if therefore sees it by advisable taking into account
justifiable availability of spaces or other reasons, if this it is the case you
will be notified ahead of time.
NOT INCLUDE: International and domestic airfares, airport departure taxes
or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to
flight cancellations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or bottled water,
snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages,
reconfirmation of international flights and items of personal nature.
PERU GATEWAY TRAVEL Av Pardo 601
Suite 701-702 Miraflores Lima Peru Peru travel
guide,hotels, tours,vacation holiday planner for Machu
Picchu,Cusco,Lima and all of Peru
US TOLL
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1 888 671 2852
Non US customers call +51 1 4443027 - 4457704
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ON. M2R 1X9 This information is current as
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