During the Amazon part, you will observe monkeys on Monkey Island and nocturnal animals during a caiman tour. You will take a trip to the stunning Sandoval Lake to later enjoy a canopy walk 35 meters above the ground. On the last day, you can admire colorful parrots and parakeets during a trip to a parrot clay lick, which is a stunning spectacle.
The Machu Picchu - Amazon Tour involves accommodation in luxury hotels, as well as in a splendid Amazon eco-lodge. They employ the most experienced bilingual tour guides and professional drivers for your complete satisfaction. The most modern vehicles and motorboats, as well as luxury trains, are X Travel Peru's standard. On top of that, you will be dining in excellent restaurants during the tour.
X Travel Peru recommends to do the tour from April to December due to heavy rains in the Amazon rain forest during the rainy season (from January to March).
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
The Machu Picchu - Amazon Tour starts with a welcome at the airport of Cusco and taking you to your hotel. Depending on the time, there is an option to have a break. Afterwards, they take you for a cultural city tour starting with a visit of the Cusco´s cathedral which prides on the architecture and painting of the so-called Cusquenian School.
Secondly, you come to see Qorikancha, the golden temple of the Incas with the Colonial Spanish construction of Santo Domingo Temple on top. Moreover, you stop at the Chocolate Museum (Choco Museo). So, you will have an opportunity to taste some delicious products made with cocoa. During the tour, you will learn about Cusco, its people, customs, and preferences. The professional tour guide will always be at your disposal.
Day 2: Sacred Valley
After an early breakfast, they will pick you up at your hotel to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First off, you will stop at Aguana Cancha, a center of the Andean textile art, weaving, and dyeing, giving you a chance to observe the elaboration of these fine products.
Then, you pass quickly by Mirador del Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley Viewpoint) providing an impressive view of the valley. Afterwards, you will continue to the archaeological site of Pisaq, a large and enigmatic complex of Incan constructions, water platforms, and channels. Besides that, you will soon enter the handicraft market of the present town of Pisaq.
Later on, you continue to the restaurant of Hacienda de Urubamba where you will have lunch. Finally, you will visit the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo where the tour guide will show you around the archaeological site. If you have enough time, you will visit a local farm to be able to view some of the local products and enjoy a homemade coffee. You overnight at a hotel there.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, you will have breakfast and then take a train to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you will experience breathtaking views of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley, later continuing to Machu Picchu Valley.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes town, you will board a bus taking you to the top, where the Inca citadel is located and where you will enjoy an unforgettable experience while your professional tour guide will talk about the history surrounding this mysterious and charming architectonic jewel.
After the guided tour, you will have some time off to explore this area on your own, relax, or meditate. At the agreed time, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes to have lunch. You will return to Cusco by train, where you will be taken to your hotel to overnight.
Day 4: Cusco – Madre De Dios – Monkey Island
They pick you up from the hotel to take you to the airport of Cusco. You will board a plane there to fly to Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios Department) to start the second part of the Machu Picchu - Amazon Tour.
Upon arrival, the staff will wait for you to transfer you by motorboat to the eco-lodge located about 45 minutes away. During the ride, you can observe the Amazonian beauty. At the lodge, a welcome cocktail (typical for this region) and an exquisite lunch made of local products will await you. You can have a short nap in your room as you will need some energy for your next trip.
The trip will take you to Monkey Island situated in the middle of the Madre de Dios River. In the evening, you will ride down the river by boat to observe the nocturnal fauna such as Arrau turtles, capybaras, owls, caimans, and other nocturnal species. This will be a unique experience. Upon your return, you will be served dinner. You will have the option to stay with other visitors and your guide and talk afterwards, or you can go to sleep.
Day 5: Sandoval Lake - Canopy
You will wake up very early in order to take advantage of the cool morning weather. You will head to the Sandoval Lake located in Tambopata National Reserve. This ecosystem is a habitat of many species, some of them being close to extinction. For instance, red howler monkeys, giant otters, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, and turtles.
You will have the opportunity to see many more species navigating the lake such as fish, birds, insects, rodents, etc. Therefore, carry your camera with you at all times not to miss any shot.
Once back at the lodge, a delicious jungle-style lunch awaits you because you will need to fill in on the energy necessary for another adventure - the canopy. This is a type of bridge built at the top of an over 35 meters high tree. You will experience four of them, with a length of 25 meters. Therefore, you will have a chance to see a variety of colorful birds, lazy bears, monkeys, and other species.
If you wish, you can wait until the afternoon and observe the astonishing sunset above the Amazon from there. You can return to the lodge afterwards to take a nap or play some games with the others. A rich dinner will be served before rest in your room.
Day 6: Parrot clay lick - Madre De Dios - Cusco
You will need to have breakfast very early because an awesome activity - a visit to a parrot clay lick - is prepared for you today. Every morning, parrots and many other bird species, as well as mammals, come to consume this type of mineral helping them to get rid of toxins in their bodies, creating a colorful show and melodic sounds.
There, you can admire them and take lots of stunning pictures. During the activity, you will be accompanied by a specialized biologist who will explain step by step the characteristics of every species and the surrounding ecosystem.
Afterwards, you will return by motorboat to Puerto Maldonado city. If time allows it, you can visit the local traditional market before you head back to the airport.
