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| SUGGESTED PROGRAMS |
 Peru History and Wildlife 12 days / 11 nights program |
Day 1 - USA/Lima
Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at selected hotel.
Day 2 - Lima/Cusco
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Cusco. On arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the morning for repose and adjust to altitude. Afternoon tour of colonial Cusco and its surrounding ruins. Cusco is located at the south highlands of Peru. The cultural merge Inca-Hispanic, has placed a very special characteristics in its architecture and population which preserves with pride their customs and traditions. This afternoon we visit the colonial city the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral, following with the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo and Tampu Machay. Overnight at Selected hotel (B)*
Day 3 - Cusco/Sacred Valley
After breakfast, we start our way out of the city of Cusco into the Urubamba Valley a sucession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites. The first stop will be at the attractive town of Pisac and its colorful market where natives trade their goods and handicrafts. After lunch, we visit Ollantaytambo, consider an arquitectural wonder, with a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. We also have the opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, which design and foundations of most of the buildings date from the Inca era. Overnight at selected hotel (B/L)*
Day 4 - Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu
Today we will witness the most representative encounter with a glorious past. We are transferred to the Ollanta Railway Station for a journey to Aguas Calientes. On arrival a bus will take us to the top of the mountain for a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, the "The Lost City of the Incas," is probably the best known, yet least understood of all Incan sites. The surprising perfection and beauty of Machu Picchu’s walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths developing around how the city was constructed. The beauty of the site, quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental sites indicate that Machu Picchu must have been an important ceremonial center. Beside mysteries and myths, evidence of the wisdom and skills are in this amazing citadel. Overnight at selected hotel (B/L)*
Day 5 - Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning before the crowds arrive, enjoy a second visit to the ruins on your own, or simply explore the small town of Aguas Calientes. Second Entrance fee and bus are not included. Mid- afternoon return to Cusco. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at selected hotel (B)
Day 6 - Cusco/Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
After breakfast we start our way out of Cusco towards the cloud forest. We pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way we will pass through many interesting sites such as stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of Pre-Inca cultures and also will hope to catch sight of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara. We plan on a delicious boxed lunch at the edge of the cloud forest, Ajanaco, which if clear affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest. From here the road suddenly descends the eastern slope of the Andes. We plunge downwards, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Nestled in this forest within a 2-minute walk of the road, and within earshot of a rushing mountain stream, lies the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, If there is time available, we will have a chance to briefly began our exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge (B/BL/D)*
Day 7 - Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge/Pantiacolla Lodge
We need to get up before sunrise to visit the lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Next, we spend some hours of the morning searching from the road looking for cloud forest birds, and with luck, Common Woolly Monkeys. Then continue by bus for Atalaya. After a 3-4 hour bus ride we reach the Alto Madre de Dios River, where we may have box lunch in Atalaya or choose to eat on the River. From here we switch over to a cargo canoe with a 55 hp or 65 HP outboard motor and continue for 1.5 - 2 hours on the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Pantiacolla Lodge. If there is time before dark you will be able to start you exploration of one of the 20 km of gridded forest trails which surround the lodge. Overnight at Panticolla Lodge (B, BL, D)*.
Day 8 - Pantiacolla Lodge – Manu Wildlife Center
You can take a small hike on the Lodge trails before leaving early for Manu Wildlife Center. On the way we have wildlife viewing possibilities throughout the morning until you stop for a visit at an Indigenous Piro Indian Village. Later after passing the entrance to the Manu National Park, we take a break at Boca Manu. Now on the River Madre de Dios, after traveling today approximately 6 hours by boat, you arrive at Manu Wildlife Center. A Wildlife Center Reception and Orientation are planned before unpacking in your private bungalow and resting to escape the afternoon heat. Today, at one of the top ten wildlife lodges in the world, we begin your exploration through 48 kilometers, almost 30 miles, of diverse forest trails. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center (B, BL, D)*.
Day 9 - Manu Wildlife Center
Rising before dawn, we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating catamaran blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay. Please note that : The clay lick activity reaches its best from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June. During the dry season (June-September) the water level on the river does not always allow for a floating blind and it will then be sitting on the ground. After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles. We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action. Our scientific reports reveal that tapirs usually visit the clay lick between 9:00 pm and midnight; however, their activity continues until dawn. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center (B,L,D).
Day 10 - Manu Wildlife Center
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters. After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own. This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the riverbank by boat. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center (B,L,D)*.
Day 11 - Manu wildlife Center/Cusco
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. Transfer to the air strip for our flight to Cusco. On arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at selected hotel (B)*.
Day 12 - Cusco/Lima
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. On arrival transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the colonial center visiting the Cathedral at the Main Plaza, San Francisco Church and catacombs and drive though the stylish suburb of San Isidro and Miraflores and watch the surf of the Pacific Ocean pound the dry cliffs of the shoreline. Evening transfer to the airport for our flight back to US (B)*.
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| *(Meals code: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) |
Includes: Accommodations, airport transfers, mentioned meals, scheduled private or regular tours as your selection, entrance fees, land transportation and English speaking guide.
Not included: International & internal airfares, airport departure taxes; tips to porters, guide and drivers, expenses of personal nature; meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages. Travel Insurance.
Our sample programs are for information only and can be customized.
For pricing, please contact us at 1-888-232-4125 or info@peru-tours.biz |
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