The best way to see Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. A journey through the Andes, experience adventure and enjoy staying in different Andean villages.
Day one:
We pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel to catch up on your sleep and a cup of coca tea (good for acclimatizing to the altitude). The rest of the morning is free. During the afternoon -after a good lunch- we shall start the City Tour to see part of the capital of the Inca Empire. We will visit several religious retreats and sanctuaries dating from Inca times. Also a good change to see the Giant hummingbird (Patagonia gigas) and the Rufus collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) the native tree called Queoña (Polilepis incana) and the Chachacomo (Scallonia recinosa) all from prehispanish times found in the Andes. Light dinner and early sleep. (L).
Day two:
Today we will travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for different activities. We visit an Alpaca and Llama breeding and fiber producing farm and witness aspects of the carding, spinning and weaving process. Later we visit the traditional market. We have lunch in the Valley and in the afternoon a visit to the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo after which we then we go to our hotel in the valley only 20 minutes away, rest of the afternoon free, dinner at the hotel. There is a great change to see the wild life such a the Great thrush (Turdus furcater) and the hummingbird called Sparkling violet ear (Colibri coruscans) and some flora such a Bromelacea called Maquey (Furcraea andina) and the Andean bush called Chillca (Bacharis latifolia). Optional visit to local pottery workshop and kiln. (B, L).
Day three:
After breakfast we ride the train for an hour and a half ride to the town of Aguas Calientes in the vicinity of Machu Pichu. We go to the hotel to freshen up and then up by bus to Inca city of Machu Picchu for a tour of the sanctuary, later in the afternoon free time in Machu Picchu.Good chance to see the local orchest like the Bamboo orchest (sobralia dicotoma) and the wakanky (masdevalia vietachina) and the native bromeliad called Puya (puya densiflora (B, L ,D).
Day four:
Today we go for a walk to catch sightings of wildlife. The birdlife is abundant and the presence of hummingbirds prolific. Among all these we can mention: among the Troglodytae Family (Wrens) the Inca Wren and Thryothorus eisenmonni; among the Humingbirds we have the giant Patagonia gigas, the Sparkling Violet Ear (Colibri coluscans), the Bronzy Hummingbird, Tyrian metaltail, long tailed sylph, and others. There are over 450 varieties catalogued within the Machu Picchu Park, 100 of them in the ruins to river range.
There is also Aplomado Falcon (Falco Femoralis) Finches, Tyrannulets, the Great Thrush, Flower Piercers, Tanagers, Seedeaters, Stripe Headed Brush Finch, Kestrels, Siskins and Fly-Catchers, Tangaras, etc. The flora includes many species of Bromeliads (Puya densiflora), Passiflora, Begonias, Fuchsis, and numerous Compositae. And a countless number of Orchids among which stand out many varieties of Wiñay Wayna (Epidendrum Secundum), many members of the Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, Scrophularias, etc. We later return to Machu Picchu for relaxing or the choice of undertaking a beautiful hike to the Sungate or Huayna Picchu. Lunch in town; after that we take the train back; transfer to the hotel. Farewell dinner. Next day transfer to the airport to board Cusco – Lima flight. (B ,L, D).
Note: We can recommend the best and more comfortable hotels or we can take care of the reservations for you.
Included
Meals.
Transportation.
Bus.
Train.
Tickets.
Historical and natural guide.
First aid.
Radio communication.
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
Sandals for River use (Teva types).
Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
Reading material.
Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
Bathing Suit.
Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
A bandana for neck protection.
A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
Camera and plenty of film.
Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
A good waterproof jacket.
Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:
Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com
Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938
