Peru

Peru Ecotours

Name: Worldwide Ecotours
Address: Calgary, Alberta, T3B 1L5, Canada
Telephone: 888-778-2378

Experience the archaeological, cultural and natural treasures of Peru. There is colonial charm, Inca and Spanish history, Andean condors and llamas. Hike the Inca Trail and soak in the views of Machu Picchu. Discover the mysterious Nazca Lines one day and then meet the locals of Lake Titicaca the next day. Test your bartering skills at local markets. Or explore the jungles of the Amazon. What doesn’t Peru have!

Inca Pathways By Bike and On Foot

Journey Across Southern Peru

River of Macaws

Inca Pathways By Bike and On Foot

Day 1: Arrive Cusco

You arrive at the Cusco Airport where you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon take a short guided walking tour of central Cusco followed by a full briefing of your itinerary.

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting and Pisac Market

Drive to the upper Urubamba, the sacred river of the Incas, for some fun rafting (grade III-IV). Your guide gives instructions and a talk on safety – no previous experience is necessary. After a thrilling raft trip and a change to dry clothes, enjoy a picnic lunch along the river bank. It is then a short drive to Pisac, famous for its handicraft market. Explore the market with your guide and taste freshly cooked empanadas straight from the oven. (B,L)

Day 3: Mountain Biking

Fantastic views, fast descents and fascinating insights into local culture make this a day you will remember.

A short drive brings you to the Chinchero plain for the start of a fabulous downhill mountain bike adventure. The colourful fields of potatoes, beans, corn, kiwicha and quinoa add a patchwork effect to this traditional agricultural area. With the backdrop of the snow-capped Urubamba range, your ride starts gently mainly on flat trails. Interspersed along the route to Moray are Inca ruins. Jump off your bike and explore these uphills. Something else you notice is the farming practice of concentric circle terracing, thought to have been used as an early agricultural laboratory. The different depths and aspects allowed by the circular terracing helped the Incas predict what crops might grow where.

After a picnic lunch it is all downhill on 750 metres of fantastic single track. While some parts are tricky, with the help and encouragement of your guide you arrive at the salt pans of Maras.

Salt-pans cover the whole hillside and were used in Inca times as an economic staple. Today there are about 3000 pools that collect salt. The locals fill the pools or wells with salt water from the natural springs of Maras complex. When the water evaporates the salt is collected. It is then ground up, treated with iodine, packaged and sold to various markets. Maras is also known for its outstanding Spanish doorways (B,L)

Day 4: Ollantaytambo and Inca Trail

This morning visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo before you transfer to the start of the Inca Trail. The modern town of Ollantaytambo is built on top of original Inca foundations and may be the best surviving example of Inca town planning. Ollantaytambo was the site of the last battle between Incas and Spanish. The Inca leader, Manco Inca was defeated by the Spanish at Sacsayhuaman and retreated to Ollantaytambo. He was able to repel the Spanish forces with arrows, spears, rocks and flooding the plains below making it difficult for the Spanish’s horses to move. However, this was a short lived victory as the Spanish returned with many more troops eventually defeating Manco Inca.

You leave later in the day for the start of the Inca Trail. By doing this and allowing an extra day, you have the trail almost entirely to yourselves.

After your visit to Ollantaytambo and lunch, drive twenty minutes to the trailhead at Piscacucho, km 82. Here you meet your porters and cooks. All camping equipment and your main pack are carried by the porters. All camp chores and delicious meals are carried out by the porters. All you carry is a day pack freeing you to admire the scenery.

Your first day of hiking is on an undulating trail about the Urubamba River to your camp beside the spectacular ruins of Llactapata (2788m) (B,L,D)

Day 5: Inca Trail – Llactapata to Llullchapampa

After a hearty breakfast you trek up the Cusichaca Valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path is steeper as you hike up the Inca path through stunted cloud forest. Watch for hummingbirds. Camp at Llulluchupama (3680m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. If you are lucky, you might even see Andean deer that come to feed here. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Inca Trail – Llullchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

Today may be the hardest day on the trail. Rise early to ascend Warmiwanusca or Dead Woman’s Pass (4212m), the highest point on the trail. Descend into the Pacasmayo Valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca control posts at Runkuracay. The second pass of the day gives spectacular views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You continue on well preserved Inca trail to Sayacmarca. Take time to explore this Inca sight which historians puzzle over its exact purpose. After a few gentle ups and downs you arrive at your stunning campsite, Phuyupatamarca, or “the place above the clouds” (3650m). (B,L,D)

Day 7: Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

Rise early to catch the sunrise on the snow-capped mountains of Salcantay and Veronica. Or perhaps there will be an inversion with clouds filling the valleys below you. Bid farewell to your porters, lace up your boots and head to Machu Picchu.

The final day descends by a series of Inca stairs through cloud forest to Winay Wayna, ruins that are filled with swallows and orchids. Your trek ends at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, where you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Take time to admire the view of the entire sanctuary. From here take a 20 minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes and a well-deserved hotel and shower. (B,L)

Day 8: Machu Picchu Tour to Cusco

This morning return to Machu Picchu for a fully guided tour of the ruins before the crowds arrive. There is time to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s hut or just wander the ruins, soaking up the atmosphere.

(Note: To climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain requires an extra permit. Please inquire at time of booking).

In the afternoon board the train for a scenic journey to the Sacred Valley. From here a bus takes you into Cusco and your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Cusco

A free day to enjoy this delightful city. Explore Inca ruins, visit Colonial churches, take a chocolate making class, practice your bargaining skills or rest with a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas.

You could visit Qoricancha Sun Temple. This sacred Inca site included temples for the sun, moon, stars and lightning. There was so much gold, silver and jewels that, according to legend, it took the Spanish three months to melt all this richness down.

Or visit the impressive Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas with its paintings of Cusco’s great fire and the last supper where Jesus is eating guinea pig. (B)

Day 10: Departure

Today you transfer to the Cusco airport for your onward destination. (B)

NOTE: If Inca Trail permits are sold out the alternative trek in the Lares Valley is an interesting mix of spectacular mountain scenery, glacial lakes, waterfalls, high plains, hot springs and charming Andean villages. There is also the opportunity of bathing in hot springs and bargaining for local weavings en-route.

Tour Information

Tour Length: 10 days /9 nights

Departures: Daily

Minimum Number of People: 2 based on Double Occupancy

2016 Group Departure Dates

June 4 – 12, July 2 – 10, Aug. 6 – 14, Sept. 3 -11, Oct. 1 – 9, and Nov. 5 – 13,

Inca Pathways by Bike and On Foot Includes:

All ground transfers and transport as noted in the itinerary
4 nights accommodation in Cusco
1 night accommodation in the Sacred Valley
White-water rafting and safety equipment
Bike, helmet, gloves and water
5 Day/4 Night Inca Trail: Inca Trail permit, camping equipment, English-speaking Inca Trail guide, all porters and cook team, and purified water
Meals per itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, S=Snacks and D=Dinner)
Excursions, activities, and entrance fees as noted in the itinerary
English-speaking guide on excursions and activities

Inca Pathways by Bike and On Foot Doesn’t Include:

International flight
Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance
Inca Trail Permit
Pre- or post-tour accommodation
Meals not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages
Excursions, activities, and entrance fees not included in the itinerary
Gratuities to guide and crew
Personal Items

River of Macaws

Leave the populated areas behind as you travel downriver to the Tambopata Research Centre. You start to see more wildlife, possibly even seeing a jaguar. The reserve is home to an extraordinary variety of species. A highlight is the world’s largest known clay lick. Every morning at the same time, huge flocks of macaws, parrots, parakeets, parrotlets descend from the morning skies above the rainforest canopy to ingest small amounts of special clay. Truly an amazing display!

Day 1: Arrive Puerto Maldonado

You are met at the Puerto Maldonado airport and driven to the lodge’s headquarters. Here pack only the necessary clothes and gear and stow the remaining luggage at the lodge’s headquarters. Then drive to the docks where you board your boat for the two and a half hours ride to Refugio Amazonas. Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.

After dinner scan the river edges with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes. (BL,D)

NOTE: Your guides are biologists, tourism professionals, or community members. Unless noted otherwise, your guides speak English and are assigned at a 6:1 ratio in Tambopata Research Center. This means groups smaller than 6 people will be merged with other groups under one guide. If you would like a private guide please let us know.

Day 2: Tambopata Reserve

Early this morning you hike 30 minutes to the canopy tower for a view of wildlife in the treetops. From here you may catch views of toucans, macaws and raptors. Return to the lodge for breakfast before a short hike to a beautiful section of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades. Here explore the remains of a camp used for two months out of a year by the Brazil nut gatherers. This is a great opportunity to comprehend the harvesting process of a sustainable rainforest product.

You return to the river for the 4 to 5 hour journey in the heart of Tampobata reserve and your base for the next 3 nights. Within the 700,000 hectare uninhabited reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species become more frequent. En-route a boxed lunch is provided.

Upon arrival the lodge manager welcomes you and presents important introductory information. In the afternoon you take a three to five kilometre hike through a forest regenerated from old bamboo forest. Keep watch for howler monkeys and dusky titi monkeys. The hike ends at a viewpoint with impressive views of the Tambopata River.

After dinner scientists provide an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories of the clay lick, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation. (B,L,S,D)

Days 3: Tambopata Reserve

Bright and early, join your guide and guests on the beach across from the clay lick to watch the macaw spectacle. You observe green-winged, scarlet and blue and gold macaws as well as several species of smaller parrots as they ingest the clay. This is a dream location for photographers!

Return to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast you trek the five kilometre Floodplain Trail. The trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees and criss-crossed by creeks. Look for squirrel, brown capuchin and spider monkeys and peccaries among the figs, ceibas and shihuahuacos.

Return to the lodge for lunch and then head out to the Pond Platform, a platform located in the middle of a tiny pond. From here you can spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets. (B,L,S,D)

Day 4: Tambopata Reserve

Another visit to the clay lick and hike the other trails at Tambopata Research Centre. The Terra Firme Trail is characterized by smaller, thinner trees Watch for Saddleback tamarins and rare tapir tracks.

The Palm Swamp Trail grows on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreal as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year. The aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest. Demand for these fruits and great conditions for planting rice, makes the palm swamp also one of the most threatened habitats.

After dinner you can join in a night walk, when many mammals are the most active but rarely seen. Look for frogs in all shapes, sizes and sounds

Day 5: Tambopata Reserve

Today hike the Creeks Trail where the focus is on forest and creek ecology. Remainder of the day to relax at the lodge or enjoy one of the optional activities such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or canopy walk. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Departure

Last morning to visit the clay lick or take an early morning hike to search for wildlife and birdlife before transferring back to Puerto Maldonado. Pick up your left luggage and continue to the Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight and onward journey. (B)

NOTE: Depending on your flight time from Puerto Maldonado, your departure from the lodge may be at dawn.

Tour Information

Tour Length: 6 days /5 nights

Departures: Daily

Minimum Number of People: 2 based on Double Occupancy

River of Macaws Includes:

All ground transfers and transport as noted in the itinerary
1 night Refugio Amazonas
4 nights at Tambopata Research Centre
Purified Water
Meals per itinerary (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, S=Snacks and D=Dinner)
Excursions, activities, and entrance fees as noted in the itinerary
English-speaking guide on excursions and activities

River of Macaws Doesn’t Include:

International flight
Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance
Pre- or post-tour accommodation
Meals not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages
Excursions, activities, and entrance fees not included in the itinerary
Gratuities to guide and crew
Personal Items

Journey Across Southern Peru

Day 1: Arrive Arequipa

You meet your guide upon arrival in the “White City” of Arequipa. Arequipa boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, quaint old town streets, the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery (included in your tour) and Juanita the Ice maiden museum (optional). Alpaca wool is Arequipa’s finest export and there is opportunity to shop for textiles.

Day 2: Arequipa to Colca Canyon

Driving out of Arequipa you enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca Canyon. The Colca Canyon is one of the World’s deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you may visit on this trip. You overnight at the Colca Lodge with its hot springs. (B,L)

Day 3: Cruz Del Condor and Colca Canyon

Begin your day with an early morning drive to Cruz del Condor in search of one of the world’s largest birds, the condor, which nest in the cliffs of Colca Canyon. Observe these amazing fliers as they ride the thermals.

You can walk to near-by ruins and visit a local community where you learn about their culture and everyday life, including their unique textiles.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax and soak in the lodge’s hot springs and scenery. Or arrange a bike or horseback ride. (B,D)

Day 4: Colca Canyon to Puno

The six hour drive through the high Andes from Colca Canyon to Juliaca and Puno is spectacular with beautiful lakes, herds of vicuna, and huge vistas. En-route visit Silustani whose fascinating circular burial chambers pre-date the Incas.

After your arrival into Puno, head out to explore this busy lakeside town. (B,L)

Day 5: Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile

Today head out to explore Lake Titicaca and its islands with your private guide. Travel by shared boat to the island of Uros, built entirely with layers of reeds. The local people use reeds to build their homes, boats and handicrafts. You can look inside their houses and ride on a boat made of reeds.

Continue by boat to Taquile Island, a UNESCO protected site and famous for its handwoven textiles and clothing, regarded as the highest quality in Peru. Knitting is restricted to men who began this handicraft at an early age. Women dye wool with vegetables and minerals and weave the Chumpis, the wide belts worn by the local Taquilenos.

You have lunch at a local restaurant before boarding your boat to return to Puno. The scenery around the lake is stunning…blue water and snow covered mountains of Bolivia. (B,L)

Day 6: Orient Express Train to Cusco

Today you board the luxury train from Puno to Cusco. This classic Orient Express train journey, recently voted “one of the top ten railway journeys of the world” cuts across the harsh Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages. Life is harsh here but the train ride is stunning. The twelve hour journey includes lunch and afternoon tea.

In Cusco you are met and transferred to your hotel. This evening walk around Plaza de Armas and dine in one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants.

NOTE: the train only runs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. From April to October it also runs on Fridays. An alternative sightseeing bus service is offered on other days.

Day 7: Cusco Ruins Tour

Just a short drive from Cusco you find a series of Inca ruins. The best way to explore these ruins is on foot.

Begin your visit with the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. The smaller stones of Sacsayhuaman were used to build modern day Cusco but the remaining stones that surround the beautiful grass amphitheatre are up to 8.5m high and weigh over 360 tons. Sacsayhuaman was once the scene of fierce battles. Today it hosts the recreation of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy.

You then visit Tambo Machay, an Inca water temple. This archaeological complex consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that demonstrate the Inca’s knowledge of hydraulics.

Enjoy a special picnic lunch before continuing your exploration of other historical sites such as the Temple of the Moon. (B,L,S)

Day 8: The Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu

This morning drive to the picturesque Andean town of Pisac. Pisac is famous for its Sunday market and superb Artisan stalls. Old Pisac includes Royal buildings, look-outs, terraces, tunnels and irrigation channels.

After lunch in Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley, travel to Ollantaytambo, the site of the last battle between the Incas and Spanish. This attractive town has been built on top of original Inca foundations and is the best surviving example of Inca town planning. It is also located at the foot of Inca ruins.

Late afternoon take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes as it is also known by) and check into your hotel. (B,L)

Day 9: Machu Picchu Tour

Early this morning set off to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas- Machu Picchu". Once there your guide gives you an extensive walking tour of the sanctuary and explains the fascinating history of the Incas. If time permits you may wish to explore further to the Inca Bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. Note: To climb Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain requires an extra permit. Please inquire at time of booking.

In the afternoon take the train to the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you are met and transferred by car to Cusco and your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Cusco

Or visit the impressive Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas with its paintings of Cusco’s great fire and the last supper where Jesus is eating guinea pig. (B)