Amazon & Incas Day 1 Fri Lima Arrive Lima Outside the baggage claim area our representative will be waiting for you. They will transfer you to our hotel . Day 2 Sat Lima (B) Lima, city of Kings and capital of Peru. This was the principal city of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in early 19th century. It never rains in Lima, except for 2 months of the year when the skies are blue, in January and February. You have the morning to explore Lima. A city tour of the Greater Colonial Lima this morning allows you to appreciate the wonderful colonial buildings in downtown Lima such as the Santo Domingo Convent. Drive by the elegant tree-lined avenues of San Isidro and Miraflores. Afternoon at leisure or we suggest a visit to the Gold Museum Day 3 Sun Lima (B) Choice of tours today , either a Nature Excursion for birdwatching or Tour Lima's Food Markets and sample the superb Peruvian cuisine
Day 4 Mon Lima – Puerto Maldonado- Tambopata (B,L,D) Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Puerto Maldonado where you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rain forest. A box-lunch is provided on board. On arrival you'll have a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. After dinner a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine a specialization for increasing the light and see better, about 50% of the animals are nocturnal in the rainforest. We will be out at the river’s edge at night, scanning the shores with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes Accommodation: Refugio Amazonas Lodge Refugio Amazonas is built on a 200 hectare private reserve on the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. It is becoming integrated to the communities of Brazil nut extractors that surround it, attempting to extend the benefits of ecotourism to the families that commit to the sustainable use of the forest within this buffer zone. It is located ten minutes walking from the river. Day 5 Tues Refugio Amazonas –Tambopata Research Centre (B,L,D) Before breakfast ,a thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve. From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.After breakfast a few minutes hike from the lodge is a beautiful old growth patch of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades (if not centuries) where the precarious remains of a camp used two months a year by Brazil Nut gatherers can still be experienced. We will be demonstrating the whole process of the rain forest's only sustainably harvested product from collection through transportation to drying.Then a 4&1/2 hour journey by boat from Refugio Amazonas, in the pristine heart of the reserve, lies the Tambopata Research Centre.One and half hours into our boat journey, as we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectare uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent. A 3-5km hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.After dinner attend a lecture providing a in depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation Day 6 Wed Tambopata Research Centre (B,L,D) On most clear mornings of the year dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story. Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active. They arrive in search of minerals and salts and the digestive properties of the clay particles themselves. On average several hundred Macaws and smaller parrots visit the clay-lick daily, including Scarlet, Blue and Yellow, Red and Green, Chestnut-fronted and Blue-headed parrots, among others. This clay-lick is considered one of the largest in the world. Following a late morning hike in the trail system in search of some of the nine species of monkeys present in the area, including Spider monkeys, Squirrel monkeys and Dusky titi monkeys as well as the elusive large mammals like Tapir, White-lipped peccaries and Jaguar. After lunch visit the Pond Platform-10 minutes upriver from the lodge is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets that call this pond their home.After dinner you will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories Tambopata Research Center is the only lodge that lies within the Tambopata National Reserve,making it one of the most remotelodges in South America. the lodges pristine location means that its surrounded by the best wildlife the Amazon jungle has to offer. Day 7 Thurs Tambopata Research Centre –Refugio Amazonas (B,L,D) The opportunity to explore another trail or visit the Macaw Lick before breakfast. Then return up river to Refugio Amazonas . This afternoon visit the Oxbow Lake to experience a different eco system rich in bird and aquatic life . A family of giant river otters lives here . Birds abound include the rufescent tiger-herons, great egrets , wattled jacanas,hoatzin ,noisy donacobius amongst others Day 8 Fri Puerto Maldonado – Cusco (B) An early start today , transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cusco . Cusco, heart of the Inca Empire, known by the local Quechua Indians as 'Navel of the Universe'. Cusco is an amazing experience. Lying in an exceptionally beautiful countryside 3300 metres above sea level, here you will encounter a fine blend of Spanish and Inca cultures, colourful Quechua Indian markets, Inca temples and massive stone walls which form the foundations of Colonial Cusco, originally part of the impressive monument of Sacsayhuaman, situated above the town. Morning at leisure. Day 9 Sat Cusco (B) This morning enjoy a comprehensive walking tour of this delightful city, including the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Temple of the Sun Visit Sacsayhuaman -this magnificent Inca fortress, which overlooks the city of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman can be variously translated as 'speckled falcon' or 'speckled head'. The last interpretation refers to the belief that the city of Cusco was set out in the form of a puma whose head was the hill of Sacsayhuaman. The origins are uncertain but the fortress is generally attributed to the period of Inca Pachacuti, the man who essentially founded the Inca empire. We also visit the ruins of Qenko, an area of well - preserved archaeological ruins and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. Afternoon at leisure Day 10 Sun Cusco – Sacred Valley (B) Leaving Cusco. Continue into the beautiful Sacred valley of the Incas.Drive through stunning scenery to Chinchero, the most colourful and authentic market in Peru. Continue on to Maras Salt Pans. Another fabulous walk today. Discover these amazing salt pans still mined as they were hundreds of years ago, then a beautiful walk back down to the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon relax and enjoy the countryside and visit the Semanario Pottery – it’s hard to resist. Day 11 Mon Sacred Valley Trekkers in group depart for Inca Trail Day 1 (B) Next is Pisaq where you will enjoy a panoramic walk along the original Inca pathways and terracing to the ancient town below. Visit the markets then continue through this lush valley where the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo dominates the surrounding area. Stay overnight in an old monastery (completely restored of course!). Day 12 Tues Train to Aguas Calientes or Day 2 - Inca Trail (B) After breakfast you have an early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, a small railroad town with tons of character – enjoy a soak in the hot pools under the Andean sky or explore the town Day 13 Wed Bus to Machu Picchu- Cuzco or Day 3 – Inca Trail (B) It’s an early start today. This is the best time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity not to mention the magic of Machu Picchu is before the trainload’s of visitors arrive. Machu Picchu, known also as ‘Lost City of the Incas’. It is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent and is considered a must for all visitors to Peru. You will travel by bus up the zig-zag, the Hiram Bingham highway, to the ruins where your first views will take your breath away. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the ruins, some time to explore on your own, before returning down the mountainside. Time for a snack and then board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to our hotel in Cusco. Day 14 Thurs Cusco or Day 4 Inca Trail (B) Free day to explore this delightful city – everyone’s favourite. The day is yours to enjoy, all the convents, churches, museums, alpaca and jewellery bargains. * Separate Itinerary available on request for Inca Trail * Day 15 Fri Cusco - Puno (B,L) Bus ride to Puno though the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau, with occasional views of the tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. We will stop at Andahuaylillas, where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth cebtury. It is very well know thanks to its beautiful mural paintings. We will make a second stop at Raqchi, where there is an Inca temple built to worship Wiracocha, one of the most important Inca gods. Finally we stop at the archaeological museum of Pukara (200BC - AD300) then we will lunch at a restaurant on route. Arrive Puno late afternoon. Day 16 Sat Visit Floating Reed Islands Lake Titicaca – into Bolivia (B) What an experience! By boat visit the curious floating reed islands and the Uros Indians who live there. Everything is made of these reeds, houses, schools, boats, churches etc. Once you reach the reed islands, you can experience gliding across Lake Titicaca in an authentic reed boat - you can't beat it! Return to Puno. This afternoon continue through lovely scenery, which follows this mighty lake to the Bolivian border. After border formalities continue to the sleepy town of Copacabana. Day 17 Copacabana - La Paz (B) Morning at leisure to explore Copacabana. Or an optional boat trip out on the lake to tranquil Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) where legend has it that the first Inca King rose out of the lake. On this legendary island, visit the Pilkokania Inca Palace and enjoy a short walk to the Gardens, Sacred Stairs and Fountain of Inca. As we ascend to Yumani Village, we have a magnificent view of the lake set to the backdrop of Mount Illampu. Depart Copacabana and continue through even more stunning scenery with snow-capped peaks and the blue lake, to La Paz, capital of Bolivia and highest capital in the world. Known as City of Contrasts, here ancient traditions meet the new millenium of chaotic traffic and towering buildings. Day 18 Mon City Tour and Shopping (B) A Morning tour takes you down to where the air is thicker and the elite live. Visit the witches markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, National Congress, Cathedral & presidential Palace, continuing to the very unusual eroded formations of the Moon Valley. The afternoon is free to enjoy the uniqueness of this colourful bustling city and shop for bargains and gifts. Day 19 Tues Explore La Paz (B) Optional tour to Tiwanaku (Pre-Columbian) ruins outside the city or a Mountain Bike down the world’s most spectacular road or spend the day with a little more shopping and people watching. A great city to do that! Optional Overnight Tour to Bolivia's Salt Flats Day 20 Wed La Paz Today you will be transferred to the airport to meet your outbound flight. |
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Dates & Prices: Departures: Friday Weekly Group departures also available Double / Twin 2023 11Aug, 8Sep $6975 2024 3 May,9 Aug,6 Sep $7490 14 Jun $7790 Single room supplement $1300 Independent Departures Friday weekly NZ$7490 Inca Trail Option 4 days : $750, Inca Trail Option 1 day $299 Galapagos Islands Pre Extension : Depart to Quito on Thurs ,1 week earlier for 3 nights in Quito,Otavalo Tour, 7 night Galapagos Islands Cruise,1 night Lima . Cost: NZD$7020(twin/double share, includes additional airfares) , single supplement NZ$400 (except on Cruise) (Itineraries for Galapagos Extension available on request) |
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Cost Includes: ALL flights within South America 4 dinners, 4 lunches ALL transport (boats, buses, taxis, trains etc) ALL accommodation with breakfasts ALL entrance fees as per itinerary ALL camping fees, tents, sleeping mats on the trek ALL national park entrance fees ALL food during Inca Trail ALL sightseeing as per itinerary ALL transfers as per itinerary Services of experienced local guides Inca Trail Services of English speaking local guides Services of porters to carry gear on Inca Trail NB: 4.5kg limit on all treks. rest of gear left at hotel Does not include: Tips allow USD160 per person Insurance - Laundry - Personal Spending - Medical Expenses Accommodation: We use comfortable 3 star hotels throughout . All rooms have your own private bathroom . Hotels are chosen for their location and service and most would have free WIFI Tipping : It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Personal Spending : We suggest allow for US$35-45 per day to cover incidentals, laundry, meals not included |
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