Peru`s Unique Wonders (11d/10n) - Detailed |
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The Colors of Tambopata: Tambopata (B, L, D)
In the morning take a five-minute boat ride to the Canopy Inkaterra Interpretation Center. You may ascend the first tower, which is 30 meters above the forest floor. The center consists of eight observation platforms linked by suspension bridges. Spend some time walking on the bridges that stretch between the different platforms. You can observe the jungle from on high, and see various bird species flying in the canopy or landing nearby. Some of the animals you may observe include woodpeckers, toucans, monkeys and sloths. After lunch, you can enjoy a visit to the Sandoval Lake. This palm-rimmed lake is the most beautiful and wildlife-rich of all the lakes in Tambopata. It is the home of many species, including giant river otters, hoatzins, (prehistoric-looking birds), kingfishers, and herons. The lake is also good place to cool off with a refreshing swim.
Overnight: Reserva Amazonica
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Exploring Tambopata:
Tambopata (B, L, D)
In the morning visit La Concepción, in which there is a botanical garden with more than 200 different species of plants. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Rolin Island and Community. Here you’ll learn about the Island eco-system as you explore it. You’ll also see a presentation at the Primate Rescue Center, which is home to three species of primates—the brown capuchin, white capuchin, and squirrel monkeys.
Overnight: Reserva Amazonica Luxury Lodge, a private ecological reserve and research center on 10,000 hectares (24 710 acres) with more than 27 years promoting sustainable use of the Amazon Rainforest. The lodge has private cabins, with lovely views of the Madre de Dios River and the surrounding rainforest. Local materials were used to build them in the traditional architectural style of the native Machiguenga and Ese-Eja peoples. The cabins are on raised platforms, and have pitched roofs and large windows for optimal ventilation. There are also several other lodge choices, like the Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas, both with activities for families.
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Leaving the Tambopata Paradise: Tambopata / Cusco – Sacred Valley (B)
In the morning, you’ll transfer to Puerto Maldonado and then visit the City’s Butterfly Farm, which contains more than 3,800 varieties of butterflies and moths, making it unique in Peru.
Afterwards you’ll be taken to the airport to board your direct flight Pto. Maldonado – Cusco. From there your private car will take you to the Sacred Valley of Inkas, which is at a lower altitude, which makes it easier for your body to acclimatize. You will be welcomed at your hotel with a cup of “Mate de Coca,” coca leaf tea.
The Sacred Valley of the Inkas is located in the Peruvian Andes, near Cusco. It is fed by many rivers that descend from adjoining valleys and canyons. It is an area of great natural wealth, ideally suited for the production of maize. It includes everything between the villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and runs alongside the Urubamba River. It is replete with ruins and ancient agricultural terraces, some still in use today. Overnight: Hotel in the Sacred Valley
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Discovering the Sacred Valley:
The Sacred Valley (B, L)
In the morning, you will visit the wonderful Pisac Ruins and Market, where you can taste the freshly baked bread this region is known for. The ruins are divided into four zones: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. The sun temple is located in the Intihuatana Zone and it contains a “hitching post” to tie up the sun on its journey. It is believed to have served an astronomical purpose. The Pisac Market has quite a variety of unique handicrafts, including ceramics, silver, costume jewelry, embroidery, tapestries, and textile arts.
Lunch at 3 Keros or Huacatay (Gourmet Restaurant)
After lunch, visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is a Sacred Valley village that preserves the urban designs of the Inka. Climb up to the Temple of the Sun, pausing to view and discuss its agricultural terraces. You will also observe some Qolcas, which were used to store food, clothing and other articles of daily life. Afterwards, descend to the Inka and the Ñusta baths.
Overnight: Hotel in Sacred Valley
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A Day in Aguas Calientes: Machupicchu – the Sacred Valley (B)
You’ll have a free morning to explore the village of Aguas Calientes on your own.
You can optionally: visit Mandor, a spectacular waterfall located in the Eyebrow of the Jungle. On the way you can observe different species of trees, plants, ferns, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals. Or you can hike up the mountains of Inti Punku or Huaynapicchu, and observe more of the ancient Inka citadel and its complex architecture. Huaynapicchu is the peak seen behind the ruins in the famous panoramic photos of Machupicchu. Its name means “young peak” in Quechua, while “Machupicchu” means “old peak.”
In the afternoon you will board the train to return to Cusco, (3.5 hours) where you will be met by our representative in the station of Poroy, located 20 minutes from the city. You’ll arrive an hour earlier than the usual train stop at Cusco station, and then be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
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| The Company Church of Cusco at night |
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Red and Blue Macaws in Tambopata |
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| Andean Cock of the Rock |
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Llama in Machupicchu |
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