INCA JUNGLE TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU: 4D3N

DAY 1 – Cusco – Malaga – Santa Maria

We depart from Cusco early in the morning and drive east and south. We will make our first stop at a lookout to view part of the Urubamaba mountain range. We continue to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo fortresses at 2740 meters. We will stop briefly to take pictures, explore the Inca ruins and walk around some Inca palaces. In Maras Moray, depending on the group, there will be the option of biking. We begin the ascent to the summit of Abra Malaga, 4350 meters, after a short drive of 1 hour. Again, if it is appropriate for the group, there will be the option of biking. Following preparation and safety briefing, we will begin our descent on mountain bikes. The route is rated as “easy to moderate” and takes us through Andean valleys with spectacular mountain views, making this an incredible ride. The well-equipped bicycles have suspension, elbow and knee protection is provided.

This great adventure takes down for about 30 to 40 to 60 kilometers in 3 to 5 hours or 7 hours, at a cycling pace suited to the group. The terrain is wide and the surface varies from grass, to dirt, gravel, or pavement. It is mostly downhill, winding, and it crosses small creeks. Along the way, we will stop to observe the different ecosystems and many types of flora and fauna, enjoying the abundant orchids and birds. Mid-day we will stop for a picnic lunch. At the end of the day, we will arrive at the camping area near the town of Santa Maria. We will spend the night there, taking in the breath-taking views of the mountains and enjoying the nighttime sounds of the cloud forest.

DAY 2 – Santa María – Santa Teresa (Lucmabamba)

After a good night’s sleep, with incredible views of the Andean forest and cloud forest slopes, we will begin our rafting experience on the Urubamba River.After all the safety checks and equipment preparation, we will spend 2 to 3 hours running a section of the river that has a succession of exhilarating Cass I, II, III rapids with a great volume of water. We will stop on the riverbank for a picnic lunch. During our river journey, we will see a variety of trees, plants and birds, especially in warm conditions. At the end of our river trip, we will continue by bus to Lucmabamba, our next camp. We will relax in the late afternoon, take in the natural beauty, and enjoy a picture of the sunset.

DAY 3 – Lucmabamba camp to Patacllacta – Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, after a good breakfast, we will continue to the beginning of the original Inca stone path that will lead us to the forgotten Inca city of Partacllacta “city above the mountain”. There we will prepare for our trek to Aguas Calientes. This section of the trail dates back to the original Inca times. It is thought to have been used by the Incas to connect the last refuges of the Incas, Vilcabamba and Choquequirao, with the city of Machu Picchu. Some suggest that this was the route of escape for the Incas since it is a narrow trail from Machu Picchu, with a drawbridge, that is connected to several other roads. There is ongoing investigation and research focused on this important and historic trail. The trail today runs about 10 kilometers, climbing about 900 meters to the mountain summit at 2900 meters from Lucmabamba (2060 meters). From the bottom of the valley it passes through pristine countryside, the cloud forest, and the transitional forest. This is where we will see many species of flora and fauna that are typical and native to this area. There are many birds, plants and trees thriving this pristine and diverse ecosystem. From there, we will visit the archeological site of Patacllacta “city above the valley”. After exploring Patacllacta, we will stop for a picnic lunch in a perfect spot with incredible views of the mystical Urubamba Canyon and the Great Urubamba River. The Great Urubamba River is one of the main sources of the Amazon River and was considered to be a sacred river by the Incas. We will explore the archeological site of Patallacta at 2750 meters. This is one of the religious retreats and astronomical sites,probably used as a check in point and administrative place that is connected with Machu Picchu.On a nice, clear day the spectacular view from here includes the beautiful valley, the remains of the citadel of Machu Picchu, the gorge of the Urubamba river and the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Our day continues with the descent to the valley of Aobamba where we will have a refreshing bath in this cold river as we prepare to walk to the train station. The one hour local train ride takes us through the forest where we will see other Incas remains from the bottom of the valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, altitude of 2060 meters, we will check in at the hotel and then visit the hot springs in town.

DAY 4 – Machu Picchu tour

Today we go by bus (25 minutes up to Machu picchu in order to begin our tour of the Citadel. (optional sun rise depending of the weather). Our tour in Machu picchu(2450mts) will begin exploring the important parts of this site for two hours.

Original discover by Agustin Lizarraga a Peruvian local from Cusco who inhabit a farm and explorer who discover Machu picchu in 1902.Nine years after Hiram Bingham rediscover Machu picchu in 1911.

Machu Picchu is situated at the beginning, or “eye brow”, of the cloud forest. This allowed access to different altitudes, each with unique ecological conditions. The crops found at Machu Picchu include different varieties of corn, chilies, quinoa, tomatoes, trees, potatoes, suggesting that this was a good place to acclimate and domesticate species from the high and low jungles that later would be successfully introduced into the hanging valleys and elsewhere.

This small valley was suitable for the building of temples and astronomical observatories,, plazas,palaces, streets, utilitarian and functional buildings,

ceremonial places, granaries, store houses and terraces for agriculture, Inca roads.

By analysis of soil, seeds, wood, and bones, Carbon Dating situates Incas in the area during the mid-1400s to mid-1500s. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca number 9 who named it “Pachacutek” or “Cusi Yupanqui”. Throughout the site, there is fine masonry and beautiful stonework, all of which is done without mortar. Construction used outside sources for laborers and two large granite quarries nearby. It is believed that the site was occupied by royalty and dignitaries, and that it was visited by the Inca and his entourage or royal court. Even though it was never quite completed, local scholars and historians believe that within a mere 100 years Machu Picchu was built, inhabited, and abandoned.

Several roads connect to bring pilgrims and essential supplies to Machu Picchu, the site of temples and astronomical observatories dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, the universe, the “Pachamama” and the creator “Wiracocha”.

All these beautiful buildings were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were palaces, religious retreats, plazas, palaces, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.

Later after time to relax and admiraed the site and the pictures we will have the opportunity to hike another original incatrail called The Sun gate which is about 2 hours’ round trip with an spectacular view of the Citaled from above. Also in this original path of the Incas we will see a large amount of flora and many bird like the Inca wren for example. Also many orchids and native treess .Late afternoon we will come back to Cusco by train.