Explore Peru with Brook & Logan

“¡Bienvenidos a Perú!”

Welcome to Lima! We have a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, where we’ll have a chill night meeting each other, maybe doing some Lima sightseeing, and getting excited about our adventure. Rest up, as tomorrow we fly to Puerto Maldonado where the real fun begins!

Accommodation:

• Casa Andina Standard Benavides

Today we fly to Puerto Maldonado, and we have a private transfer to the airport. Note that flights from Lima to Puerto Maldonado are not included – we will organise these as a group once the trip is confirmed.

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, we’ll be greeted at the airport and taken on a scenic 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción lodge. Following lunch, we’ll embark on a guided walk through the Concepción trail system, where we’ll delve into the intricacies of primary and secondary forests, their diverse vegetation, human impacts, and global ecological significance.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll venture out on a motorized canoe excursion to discover the nocturnal wonders of the forest. This journey will unveil the unique Amazonian gullies and nocturnal behavior of the forest’s wildlife, capped off by a mesmerizing display of the southern hemisphere’s constellations.

Accommodation:

• Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lodge

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we’ll embark on a forest trail walk to Lake Sandoval within Tambopata National Reserve. Here, we’ll navigate the lake’s serene waters in a traditional wooden canoe, surrounded by the habitat of endangered species such as giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, and side-necked turtles.

After lunch, we’ll experience a unique treetop adventure by traversing a quarter-mile of the tropical forest canopy via a network of bridges and eight observation platforms. This canopy walk promises opportunities to spot vibrant toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, as well as monkeys, sloths, and other fascinating Amazonian wildlife.

Accommodation:

• Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion Lodge

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart with a 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to Puerto Maldonado. From there, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. Please note that the flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco is not included – we will organise these as a group once the trip is confirmed.

Upon arriving in Cusco, our team will be at the airport to greet you and escort you to the Sacred Valley.

Accommodation:

• Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals:

• Breakfast

This morning, we’ll explore Chinchero village, situated at an altitude of 12,375 feet (3,772 meters), renowned for its stunning textiles and vibrant Sunday fair. Local residents, adorned in traditional attire, journey from surrounding villages to trade their wares. Walking through the village’s quaint alleyways, guided by our expert, we’ll visit the weavers’ workshop of Nilda Callañaupa. Over 28 years ago, Nilda united women who shared her passion for weaving, reviving interest among younger generations. Beginning in her Chinchero home, this initiative grew into the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco in 1996—a pivotal organization preserving and promoting exquisite, high-quality textiles. Nilda herself will enrich our visit with her inspiring story.

Next, we’ll proceed to the Salt Pans of Maras, an ancient salt mine in operation since Incan times. Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining Incan towns. This historical site features a formidable fortress that once safeguarded the citadel. As we explore the expansive archaeological complex, we’ll encounter well-preserved structures, including defensive walls and towers used for protection against potential invasions.

Accommodation:

• Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at the designated time and head to the train station. The scenic train journey from there to Aguas Calientes offers breathtaking views along the way.

Upon arrival, we’ll board a bus that will take us to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Discovered by Hiram Bingham over a century ago, Machu Picchu is revered as one of the seven wonders of the world. Its awe-inspiring architectural design, nestled within a spectacular natural setting, emanates a captivating energy. We’ll follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas during a guided tour of this mystical site.

After our exploration, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. To conclude our visit, we’ll return to the Aguas Calientes train station and board the train back to our departure point.

Accommodation:

• Los Portales Cusco

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, we’ll embark on our journey from Cusco, heading south through picturesque Andean villages, surrounded by fields of crops and majestic snow-capped peaks. Our destination is the community of Chillihuani (4600 meters / 15000 feet), where we’ll commence our hike. A 90-minute uphill trek will lead us to the stunning Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5036 meters / 16518 feet), offering panoramic views that include the nearby Red Valley. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll descend back to Chillihuani, where our vehicle awaits.

On our return journey to Cusco, we’ll pause in the village of Cusipata for a satisfying lunch break.

Accommodation:

• Los Portales Cusco

Meals:

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today is our last day, but we’re not wasting it!

In the morning, we’ll embark on a half-day excursion through Cusco to explore its prominent historical monuments. Our first stop is Sacsayhuaman, an important archaeological site located just outside the city. This Inca ceremonial fortress is renowned for its massive stone constructions, some of which weigh between 90 and 125 tons. Returning to the city center, we’ll visit the Cathedral Church situated in the Plaza de Armas. This architectural masterpiece combines Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles and houses a significant collection of colonial-era mestizo art.

Continuing our tour, we’ll visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the ancient temple of Qoricancha, which was dedicated to the worship of the Sun god during Inca times. Qoricancha is revered for its finely crafted stone walls and was adorned with gold and silver sheets within its various chambers. After the exploration, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel.

In the afternoon, at the designated time, we’ll provide transportation from your hotel to Cusco airport for a fond farewell.