Peru - Machu Picchu, Inca history and Amazon Rainforest

Upon your arrival in Cusco, a warm welcome awaits you from our dedicated Far & Wild representative at the airport. Your journey begins as you depart by car for the town of Chinchero, nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenic drive takes approximately 1 hour, offering glimpses of the breathtaking landscapes that surround this historical region.

Chinchero is a treasure trove of Inca architecture and ancient stonework. Admire the magnificent colonial church, surrounded by remarkable terracing and Inca walls which showcases the enduring legacy of this ancient civilization. We'll then venture into the lively market of Chinchero. Here, a vibrant array of agricultural items and traditional natural fibre weavings await, adorned with hues derived from local plant and insect dyes. Engage in the rich cultural tapestry as you observe a weaving demonstration, providing insight into the intricate steps of the weaving process with the unique designs from each community.

As you absorb the cultural richness, your journey continues further into the valley, leading you to the exquisite Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba hotel.

Our journey begins at Moray, a site that unveils one of the earliest agricultural experimental "labs" on the planet. Marvel at the beauty of the elegantly constructed descending circular terraces, believed to have been a platform for cultivating diverse crops in specific microclimates. Centuries ago, indigenous Peruvians employed experimental techniques to nurture a variety of food crops, showcasing a level of agricultural sophistication that predates modern greenhouse methods. The temperature variations between the uppermost and lowest terraces, sometimes reaching up to 15 °C, contributed to this remarkable feat.

Following our exploration of Moray, we'll treat ourselves to a delightful picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery, savouring the tranquillity of the Sacred Valley. Our journey then takes us to Maras, renowned for its extraordinary mountainside salt ponds. Witness the spectacle of 3000 bright white and multi-coloured salt ponds, each tended to by local families. From a scenic viewpoint, take in the panoramic view of the saltpans and discover the famed Maras salt, known for its unique health properties.

Embark on a mystical journey back in time as we invite you to explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your adventure begins at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you'll board the Vistadome train bound for Aguas Calientes where upon arrival, a short walk leads you to the bus that will ascend a winding road for approximately 30 minutes, bringing you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The anticipation builds as you approach this iconic site, shrouded in history and nestled amid the breathtaking peaks.

A sumptuous lunch awaits you at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, providing the perfect prelude to your guided tour of Machu Picchu. With your knowledgeable guide, marvel at the iconic view of the ancient Inca city, where stone steps, temples, walls, and multi-purpose structures intertwine in a mesmerizing dance. Feel the poignant vibrations of this dreamlike atmosphere as you explore the site's various sectors, entering rooms and temples, each with its unique significance whilst unravelling the mysteries concealed within its stone walls.

As the day winds down, return to Machu Picchu Village to overnight at the charming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel, nestled in the ethereal embrace of the cloud forest.

Today marks a unique opportunity to revisit the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and delve into its mysteries at your own pace. Whether retracing familiar steps or discovering new corners, let the spirit of this extraordinary site guide your exploration. For those seeking a heightened adventure, the option to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain awaits. Ascend to these elevated vantage points and be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views.

Following your personal exploration, gather for a leisurely lunch, savouring the moment and reflecting on the wonders you've encountered. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome train for a scenic return journey to Poroy, a small town located around 30 minutes from the centre of Cusco.

The next two nights will be spent in the heart of this historic city, where the Palacio del Inka hotel awaits to immerse you in the charm and energy of Inca culture. Let the rich history and vibrant ambiance of Cusco envelop you as you unwind in this distinguished setting.

Start at the vibrant San Pedro Market, a bustling hub teeming with colourful fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, flowers, and an array of captivating products that engage the senses. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as we select locally grown ingredients, setting the stage for a unique culinary experience. Head to a rooftop kitchen to prepare a meal with the guidance of a skilled chef at your personal cooking area. The chef will talk you through the art of meal preparation, allowing you to infuse your creation with the flavours of Cusco.

After lunch, wander through the ancient city of Cusco, a place where history is etched on every corner. This folkloric Andean city, once the capital of the Inca Empire, invites you to discover its most iconic attractions. Traverse cobblestone streets lined with original Inca walls, absorbing the ancient energy that permeates the air. Our journey takes us to the awe-inspiring ancient Inca Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, nestled inside the Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, once the heart of the Inca's main city centre, and delve into its dramatic and sometimes turbulent history.

Depart from the historic city of Cusco for a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios in the Amazon basin. Upon arrival, prepare for a unique adventure, transferring by a 1-hour bus ride and a 2.5-hour boat journey to the Tambopata Research Centre.

As we traverse the confluence with the Malinowski River, the signs of human habitation gradually fade away. The 700,000-hectare uninhabited nucleus of the reserve unfolds before you, offering glimpses of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws, and other large species that thrive in this pristine environment. Your destination, the Tambopata Research Center, awaits as a spacious boutique eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the National Reserve of Tambopata. It holds the distinction of being the only lodge inside the reserve, surrounded by dozens of macaw nests affiliated with the Macaw Project.

Upon settling into this natural haven, join a short hike that leads to magnificent viewpoints of the Tambopata River winding its way into the lowlands. The forest along this trail, regenerating from an old bamboo forest, provides opportunities to encounter Howler Monkeys and Dusky Titi Monkeys. For those seeking a deeper connection with the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest, an option to embark on a night hike is available.

Experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature as you witness dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregating on a large river bank—a vibrant and raucous display. Positioned discreetly fifty metres from the cliff, you will have the unique opportunity to observe Green-winged, Scarlet, and Blue-and-gold Macaws, along with several species of smaller parrots, descending to ingest clay. This dazzling event unfolds in the early morning light, making dawn the ideal time for these captivating outings.

Just ten minutes upriver from the Tambopata Research Centre, an island beckons exploration. On this island, a tiny pond with a platform in the middle becomes a haven for various waterfowl, including the Muscovy duck, sunbittern, and hoatzin. Woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets also call this pond home, creating a lively and diverse ecosystem.

As the day transitions into evening, enjoy dinner before embarking on an enlightening night lecture presented by scientists. Delve into the intricacies of macaw biology, exploring their feeding habits, the theories behind clay lick use, breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations, and the conservation challenges they face.

Embrace the opportunity for yet another captivating morning at the clay lick, where the dynamic and ever-changing spectacle unfolds anew each day. Join the morning excursion to witness the vibrant gathering of macaws and parrots, creating a symphony of colour and sound against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest.

Next exploration of an entirely different habitat, marked by smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes. Take a 5km trail through terra firme forest for a different perspective, and keep a keen eye out for the saddleback tamarins that frequently grace this area. As you walk near the limits of the swamp, there is a possibility of encountering rare tapir tracks

Today a half-day adventure offers a different perspective of the Terra Firme forest. This activity takes you through a section of the forest crossed by several creeks that eventually flow into the Tambopata River. Unlike previous explorations, this time, you'll venture in the opposite direction of the river, focusing on the intricate ecology and wonders of the creek trail. As you traverse this lush landscape, you'll encounter the rich biodiversity that thrives along the creeks, providing a glimpse into the interconnected web of life in the Tambopata National Reserve.

As the day transitions into evening, experience the magical twilight of the jungle. Under the dense tree cover, darkness descends swiftly, creating an immersive environment where the sounds of the rainforest come alive. The Sunset Cruise takes you down the wide river, where countless shades of oranges and pinks reflect off the water in mesmerising patterns. This tranquil journey allows you to witness the rainforest transform under the twilight sky, creating a serene and unforgettable experience.

As your unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest ends, it's time to return to Puerto Maldonado for the next leg of your adventure or onward journey to your next destination in Peru or Latin America. Reflect on the incredible experiences, diverse ecosystems, and the beauty of nature that you've encountered during your time in this pristine and biodiverse region.