Experience the largest Macaw Clay Lick in the Americas, where a "Rainbow of Macaws, Parrots and Parakeets
make a daily visit to their oasis in the Amazon. Then to the capital of the Inca Empire Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Continue to the
highest navigable lake in the world and with a cultural experience overnight at a the local family home.
Complete the circuit with a fly over the 2000 year old Nazca Lines.
A true Ecological, Archaeological, Cultural & Mystical trip all in one!
Day 1 - depart to Peru - arrive Lima
Upon your arrival into Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Miraflores for your overnight. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Refugio Amazonas Lodge
You will be met and transferred to the Lima airport & the local airline flight departing to Puerto
Maldonado. The Refugio Amazonas staff will meet and transfer you to the general office to drop off
excess baggage. Puerto Maldonado is situated at the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and
Tambopata Rivers and is a bustling, booming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are
gold mining, Brazil nut collecting, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism. After a brief
survey of the town we will depart on the 2 hour boat trip by motorized canoe to Refugio Amazonas
Lodge. ( Note: Depending on the arrival time of the plane we will have a boxed lunch aboard the
boats or have lunch upon arrival at Refugio Amazonas Lodge. ) During your voyage we may see bird
species typical of the river or forest edge such as: Black Skimmer, Pied Lapwing, Capped Heron,
Jabiru Stork, Roadside Hawk, a several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers. When we
arrive at Posada Amazonas we will unpack and unwind. Afterwards you will receive a short orientation
and a complete briefing of the lodge. After dinner a evening excursion to search for nocturnal
species of the area. Afterwards return to the lodge for the night. Overnight at Refugio Amazonas Lodge.
(BB/L/D)
Day 3 - Refugio Lodge - Tambopata Research Center
The morning starts with a early trip at dawn for a visit to the Canopy Tower for easy observation
of the Tambopata Reserve and the habitants such as parrots, toucans & raptors. After a some time
to appreciate the area continue for a short hike to a Brazil nut forest. The nut known for it�s
�high protein and vitamin E content has been harvested for generations. Here you will see the
entire process of the rain forest's only sustainable harvested product from collection through
transportation to drying. Later travel up the Tambopata River (4 hours) into the pristine heart
of the reserve. After the first hour we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind
as we cross the northern boundary of the 700,000 hectare, completely uninhabited, protected
Tambopata National Park. Differences in wildlife abundance will be noted immediately: we will
begin to sight macaws, herons, kingfishers and cormorants frequently and improve our chances of
encounters with capybaras, caiman, storks, ducks and other wild life found in this region. Boxed
lunch on the boat. When we will arrive at Tambopata Research Center in the early afternoon, we
will be greeted by the Chicos, our flock of semi-wild, rescued macaws. After we have settled in
our orientation session will be held to inform you of the program as well as answer any questions
you may have. After this we will hike the 1.5 mile Bam o Trail, a trail that is famous for the
abundance of rare birds that live exclusively in this habitat and are endemic to southern Peru.
It is also will end our hike at the overlooks which are good places to observe, allowing the photo
lovers to take incredibly beautiful macro shots. Overnight in Tambopata Research Center. (BB/L/D)
Day 4 - Tambopata Research Center
At dawn we will cross the river and enjoy the world's largest macaw clay lick where hundreds of
parrots and macaws of up to 15 species congregate daily. The January 1994 issue of National
Geographic features a article on Tambopata Research Center & the Tambopata Macaw Project.
When the morning sun clears the Amazon tree line in southeastern Peru and strikes a gray-pink
clay bank on the upper Tambopata River, one of the world's most dazzling wildlife gatherings
is nearing its riotous peak. The steep bank has become a pulsing, 30-foot-high palette of red,
blue, yellow and green as more than a thousand parrots squabble over choice perches to grab a
beak full of clay, a vital but mysterious part of their diet. More than a dozen parrot species
will visit the clay lick throughout the day, but this midmorning crush belongs to the giants of
the parrot world, the macaws. You can expect to see ten to twelve of the following members of the
parrot family: Red-and-green, Blue-and-gold, Scarlet, Red-bellied, Chestnut-fronted and Blue-headed
Macaws; Mealy & Yellow-crowned Amazons; Blue-headed, Orange-cheeked and White-bellie Parrots;
Dusky-headed, White-eyed, Cobalt-winged and Tui Parakeets and Dusky-billed Parrotlets. This show
will continue until the macaws sense danger, usually in the form of an eagle, and depart simultaneously
in an explosion of sound & color. Around mid morning, we will return to TRC for breakfast. After
breakfast we will hike the 1.5 mile Ocelot Trail, a trail which exemplifies the quintessential
rainforest. Although it is general rain forest ecology. This forest, which is good for viewing
monkeys and Collared peccary. This trail is the one which most often many swamp, a nesting colony
and preferred roost for Blue and Gold and hen macaws will land on the nests and stand there for
several minutes. After a lazy afternoon with the macaws we will hike back. Overnight at the T.R.C. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Tambopata Research Center - Refugio Amazonas Lodge
We will wake up at dawn once again to visit the Macaw Clay Lick and then return for breakfast.
At mid-morning we will depart for Posada Amazonas Lodge, having a boxed lunch on the boat. As
soon as you arrive the Posada Amazonas Lodge, we will unpack and do our last activity: Wéll
visit a native slash and burn farm. Slash and burn agriculture systems are often thought of as
wasteful because the fields are burnt, cultivated for a few years, and then abandoned. Many
resident studies, however, have shown that this is far from the truth. The secret of their
success is mixed planting in small patch, so that the crops are not decimated by disease and
pests spreading through monocultures, the use of a mixture of herbaceous and woody crops, and
the genetic diversity of their crops. After our visit, we will be able to understand why the
Eséeja cultiva on system is sustainable over the long term. Later we will return to Refugio
Amazonas for dinner and overnight. Another video will be displayed this evening at the dining
room. Overnight at the Refugio Amazona�s Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 6 - Refugio Lodge - Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco
You will be met and transferred to the Puerto Maldonado airport & the local airline flight departing
to Cuzco. On your arrival our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel where you can use the
remainder of the afternoon to acclimate to the 11,300 ft. altitude in the Inca capital of Cuzco. Over
night at the hotel. (B)
Day 7 - Cuzco - City Tour & Sacsayhauman Park - Cuzco
Morning on your own. In the afternoon (1:45 p.m.), our staff will meet and transfer you by bus for a City tour of Cuzco and the Colonial
and Inca sites of La Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, or Q�oricancha, Tambo Machay, Kenko,
Pucapucara, and Sacsayhauman. Early evening return to Cuzco and the hotel. (5:45 -6:15 p.m.)
Over night at the hotel. (BB)
Day 8 - Cuzco - Pisac Market - Ollantaytambo
Our staff will meet and transfer you in the morning ( 8:45 -9:00 a.m.) into the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
This fertile region includes many Inca terraces and farm land. Travel to the town of Pisac and the Ancient
Pisac Market for the annual show where many of the local Indians sell and barter their hand made textiles,
fresh fruits, and vegetables. After an hour or so of mingling with the locals, you will proceed to eat lunch
at a local hacienda restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, continue to Ollantaytambo which is
the oldest continuously habituated town of the Inca that contains several important Inca structures.
At the top of the sixteen massive terraces are the ever impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress.
This is where the Inca fought some of their fiercest and strongest battles. It is unknown how the huge
precisely carved stones were transported down one mountain range to the Ollantaytambo location,
or how they were fitted perfectly to support a strategic fortress that has bared the test of time.
Also found here are �silos� or grain mills that are directly adjacent to the fortress that could
have maintained thousands of pounds of grain for the Inca and its people. Some of the grain was
most likely produced in the surrounding agricultural terracing by the variety of crops that were
grown. Afterwards, remain in the Sacred Valley. (3:45 p.m) Overnight at the hotel. (BB/L)
Day 9 - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
You will be assisted to the Ollantaytambo train station for the 8:00 a.m. Vista dome First Class
train. As it winds through the Andean Mountains, you will pass through several small villages where
the local Indian farmers manage their farms and reside just as they have for hundreds of years.
After the scenic ride you arrive at the final stop Aguas Calientes about ( 9:45 a.m. )Here, you
will notice that the weather has changed to a tropical climate. You can now appreciate the
abundance of plants typical for this region and the Amazon basin. Here you will board the tourist
bus and proceed up a incredible winding road that leads to the fabled site of Machu Picchu.
Thousands of people from around the world frequent this magnificent ancient site to pay homage and
grasp the spectacular views of Machu Picchu�s 7,800 ft. plateau. Upon your arrival ( 10:15 a.m. )
your guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. After
your tour, you will be transferred by bus to the base of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas
Calientes. Lunch will be served at the local hotel.( 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Remainder of the day on
your own. Ovenight at the hotel.(BB/L)( Note: Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge incl. BB/L/D,
the Pueblo Hotel incl. BB & D )
Day 10 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Today you will have the full day to explore Machu Picchu and its surroundings on your own.
We suggest to take a picnic basket on a short hike to Wayna Picchu or to the Inti Puku Pass
( Gate of the Sun ) where you can get a birds eye view of this massive site. In the late afternoon
you will depart Machu Picchu with many memories that a picture will never tell. After your return
to Cuzco you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
( BB ) Note: 2nd day re-entry into Machu Picchu not incl.
Day 11 - Cuzco Free day
Full day on your own in Cuzco to visit for shopping or visiting a local museum. Overnight at the hotel.
(BB)
Day 12 - Cuzco - Puno
Morning our staff will transfer you for your departure via a First Class tour bus for the scenic
ride to Puno.(8 hours). On the way you will travel through the Andean mountains passing and making
short visits to the archaeological sites of Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi & La Raya while on
the way to Puno. On your arrival to Puno and the highest navigable lake in the world of Lake Titicaca,
you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the evening on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
(BB)
Day 13 - Puno - Uros - Amantani ( homestay )
Early morning departure to Lake Titicaca where you will go by boat to the floating Uros Islands.
Here time will be allowed for mingling, shopping or even to barter for a large selection of local
hand made items with the descendants of Uros Indians. After a short time here you will proceed
again by boat to the Island of Amantani where many archaeological sites will be visited with your
guide. There are several temples and a Royal throne "Inkatiana" carved of stone on the shore of
the lake. You as well will visit the impressive points of either Pacha Tata or Pacha Mama for a
magnificent view of Lake Titicaca from the highest point of the island. Later a cultural excursion
to visit up to six different villages that exist on the largest island. Here these humble and simple
Amara Indians descendants have lived on this some what secluded island from the mainland unchanged in
their traditions for hundreds of years. Afterwards you will proceed to a local family home that is
your accommodations for the night. Overnight at a local Indian family home. (CB/D)
Day 14 - Amantani - Taquile - Puno
Morning after breakfast and a last visit in the area proceed to the Island of Taquile where you can
view pre Inca & Inca archaeological ruins & terracing. Mid day depart by boat from Taquille with a
late afternoon arrival into Puno. Here you will be met and transferred to the Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. (CB)
Day 15 - Puno - Juliaca - Lima - Nazca
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to the Juliaca airport for the departing flight to
Lima. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Ormeno Bus station and the Ormeno Royal
Class Service departing at on the Pan American Highway to Nazca. ( 7 hours ) Here you will be met
and assisted upon your arrival at the hotel. Over night at the hotel. (BB)
Day 16 - Nazca - Lima
After breakfast you will be met & transferred by private car to Nazca and the local airstrip for
your morning overflight of the Nazca Lines. These desert drawings date back somewhere between 200 B.C.
& 600 A.D. Here scientists & historians have been unable to explain the reason for the huge trapezoids,
triangles, rectangles & quadrangles that stretch across miles of desert plain. The theories for these
mysterious geo-glyphics left behind by the Nazca Indians range from, the reading of the constellations
to weather forecasting and even ancient landing strips for space ships from some other planet. Though
we may never find the true reason for these incredible pieces of art that are just as mysterious as
the civilization that made them, your abilities to get a birds eye view, such as the ancient visitors
may have, lets you form your own idea on their purpose to the Indians of the Nazca plain. Afternoon
tour of the pre-Inca cemetery of Chauchilla dating back over 2000 years. Mid afternoon depart by Ormeno
Royal Class Service for your return to Lima at 8:30 p.m. where you will be met and transferred to
the Lima airport and the departing international flight. ( BB )- ( optional overnight & tours available in Lima )
Day 17 - Lima - arrive into your home city
| Class |
Rating |
View Hotels in Class |
| Tourist |
 |
|
$4169 |
$3399 |
$3239 |
| First |
|
|
$4269 |
$3449 |
$3269 |
| First |
|
|
$4659 |
$3609 |
$3409 |
| First |
|
|
$5169 |
$3969 |
N/A |
| First |
|
|
$6029 |
$4499 |
$3849 |
| First |
|
|
$6559 |
$4729 |
$4139 |
| Executive |
|
|
$7519 |
$5169 |
N/A |
. . . ALERT . . . ALERT . . . ALERT . . .
ALL ENTRIES FOR MACHU PICCHU NATIONAL PARK ALLOW ONLY 4 HOURS FROM SCHEDULED ENTRY TIME.
Entries start at 6:00 A.M. / last entry is 2:00 P.M.
All 4 hour time slots are limited to available spaces at time of purchase.
PRICE PER PERSON INCLUDES :
Lodging, English guided tours, transfers, entry fees & meals where noted.
NOT INCLUDED :
International or Local air, meals, departure taxes and additional incidentals.
NOTE : First Class train from Puno to Cuzco or vise versa available on request.
NOTE : All hotels include Continental or Buffet breakfast.
Room type : ST=Standard;CR=Colonial;SP=Superior;DR=Deluxe;
SPD=Superior Deluxe; JS=Jr.Suite;STP=Standard Patio;SPT=Standard Patio Terrace.
|
