The Cusco & Amazon Tour – 12 Days

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The Cusco & Amazon Tour – 12 Days Tour

Enjoy a fantastic 12-day odyssey that combines the ancient allure of Cusco and the Andes with the wonder of the Amazon Rainforest. This tour invites you to traverse the paths of the Incas and explore the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the Amazon.

Your journey begins in Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of a bygone era. From here, you’ll delve into the Sacred Valley’s enchanting landscapes, a prelude to the iconic Inca Trail. As you ascend the classic route, each step brings you closer to the mystic Machu Picchu, an Incan marvel that has stood the test of time.

You will then visit the recently famous Rainbow Mountain with its colorful minerals that create a stunning visual spectacle.

But the adventure doesn’t halt at rainbow mountain and Incan ruins. After your flight down the Andes, the tour promises a serene transition to the tropical Amazon jungle. Here, amidst the symphony of nature, you’ll find inspiration in the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife-rich rainforest.

This tour is not just a vacation; it’s a comprehensive experience designed to leave you with appreciation of Peru’s cultural and natural heritage. It’s an invitation to explore, learn, and be utterly captivated by the beauty of Peru.

Tour Info

  • Focus Area: Tambopata National Reserve, Machu Picchu
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Start Point: Cusco Airport (CUZ)
  • End Point: Lima Airport (LIM)

The Cusco & Amazon Tour – 12 Days Itinerary

Welcome to Cusco. From the moment you step off the plane, a dedicated transfer service will escort you to your hotel, ensuring your first impressions of this historic city are as comfortable as they are memorable. Spend the day meandering through Cusco's cobblestone streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the San Pedro market. In the evening, gather at tour headquarters for an insightful briefing on your upcoming Inca Trail hike, where you'll meet your guide and fellow adventurers.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
Meals: Not included
Entrance Tickets: None required

Your exploration begins at 8 a.m. with a scenic drive through the mountains, pausing at El Mirador to gaze upon the Sacred Valley, one of the main areas the Incas settled. Discover the ruins of Pisac and its stone artistry before delving into the local culture at the bustling market. After an optional Andean lunch, journey to Ollantaytambo, a monumental Inca site, where you'll spend the night in anticipation of the Inca Trail.

Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Entrance Tickets: All Included

Rise early for a transfer to Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Trek through ancient sites like Patallacta and engage with local communities en route to the Ayapata campsite. As the day concludes, unwind with your team over a hot drink and a nourishing meal, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.

Walking distance: 8.7 miles/14 km (6-7 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3300 meters (high) above sea level
Considered: Moderate day (getting used to the Inca Trail) Weather: Warm and windy

Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

Awaken to a coca tea serenade before tackling Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the trek. Descend into the Pacaymayu Valley and ascend once more to Runcuraccay Pass, with the enigmatic Sayacmarca ruins awaiting your exploration. Your day ends at Chaquicocha, where the night sky unveils a celestial spectacle.

Walking distance: 9.94 miles/16 km (7-8 hours)
Campsite altitude: 3600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: Top day (you will have survived the two highest passes)
Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Weather: Cold and rainy

Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

Embark on a mesmerizing hike through the Cloud Forest, with panoramic views and ancient ruins leading to Wiñaywayna. Here, you'll delve into the site's history, preparing you for the grandeur of Machu Picchu the following day. Celebrate the evening with your trail companions, honoring the efforts of the porters and chefs.

Walking distance: 6.2 miles/10km (5 hours)
Campsite altitude: 2.600 meters (high) above sea level (chilly weather)
Considered: Easy day – all downhill!
Area: High Cloud Forest
Weather: Warm and very humid

Accommodation: TENTS
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

An early start rewards you with sunrise at the Sun Gate, overlooking Machu Picchu. Descend to the iconic citadel for a private tour, then enjoy free time to explore further or ascend Huaynapicchu. Reconvene in Aguas Calientes before your return to Cusco, where the comforts of your hotel await.

Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake up 3.30 AM)
Area: High Cloud and Subtropical Forest
Weather: Hot and very humid (bring lots of water)

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance Tickets: All Included (except Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket)

A pre-dawn departure takes you to Rainbow Mountain, where a hike reveals stunning vistas of the Andes and the vibrant hues of the mountain itself. Discover the Red Valley on your descent and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning to Cusco.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Entrance Tickets: All Included

Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the threshold to the Amazon. A canoe ride up the Tambopata River leads you to your lodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest. An evening walk introduces you to the nocturnal wonders of the Amazon.

Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included
Flight: Not included.

Spend two days immersed in the Amazon's biodiversity. Paddle through lake systems, observe Giant Otters, trek to hidden lakes, and encounter the jungle's giants, the Lupuna trees. Evenings are for caiman spotting and absorbing the tranquility of the rainforest.

Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
Entrance Tickets: All Included

Depending on your flight, enjoy a final morning in the Amazon before departing for Lima. In the capital, rest and reflect on your journey at your hotel, with no further activities planned, allowing you to process the myriad of experiences you've gathered.

Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Miraflores or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Entrance Tickets: All Included
Flight: Not included.

As your tour concludes, we bid you farewell, hoping the memories of your Peruvian adventure will inspire tales of wonder and whispers of a return. A transfer will escort you to Lima's airport, marking the end of our services.

Accommodation: None required
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Entrance Tickets: All Included

This tour is not just a trip; it's a comprehensive experience designed to enlighten, engage, and exhilarate, with all details meticulously planned to ensure a journey of comfort and discovery.

Rates & Inclusions

12 days / 11 nights

Per Person : $2,750

Notes
  • Hotels: Upgraded hotels (4-star & 5-star rating) are available upon request. (Standard tour includes 3-star hotels)
  • Hotels: Extra nights can be easily added upon request.
Included
  • Professional guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe a
  • Hotels: This tour package includes all hotels (3-star rating) listed in Cusco & the Sacred Valley. The ecolodge in Puerto Maldonado (3-star rating) is also included.
  • Hotels: All rooms are based on double occupancy. Single room surcharges apply.
  • Hotels: All tour packages can be booked without hotel accommodation upon request.
  • Transport: All ground transportation is included in this tour package. The return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is also included.
  • Meals: All meals listed are included in this tour package.
  • Entrance tickets: All entrance tickets listed are included in this tour package.
  • Inca trail hike: Briefing: This is where they will receive their duffel bag that will stay with the porters while they hike.
  • Inca trail hike: Meals: All meals except for the lunch after Machu Picchu are included. All meals are cooked by team chefs.
  • Inca trail hike: Portable toilet tent: Environmentally friendly, portable toilet tents for only our groups to use.
  • Inca trail hike: Satellite Phones: Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world.
Not Included
  • Flights: International and domestic flights are not included.
  • Gratuities: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
  • Travel insurance: This is not required, but highly recommended. For those of you who live at sea level, landing in Cusco will take an adjustment period. Most people need one or two days to adjust. In case you have a hard time adjusting to the altitude
  • Inca trail hike: Huayna Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. Th

Operated By Alpaca Expeditions

About Alpaca Expeditions

In the heart of the Andes, where the ancient traditions of Peru meet the breathtaking beauty of its natural wonders, there exists a tour company like no other. Alpaca Expeditions is not just an adventure; it's a commitment to preserving Peruvian heritage, empowering indigenous communities, and providing an unparalleled experience for you, our guests.

Our Roots: Alpaca Expeditions was born from the vision of Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide with a deep love for his homeland. With unwavering dedication, Raul set out to create a tour company that transcends the ordinary. Alpaca Expeditions proudly stands as a 100% Peruvian, indigenous-owned company, a testament to our roots and commitment to the local community.

A Team That Cares: What sets Alpaca Expeditions apart is our unwavering commitment to both our customers and our team. Every member of our Alpaca family is a proud native of the Cusco region, living and breathing the traditions and history that they eagerly share with you during our tours. Our guides are not just knowledgeable; they are graduates in tourism, history, and English, ensuring that every moment of your journey is rich with insights and understanding.

Our chefs undergo rigorous training each February, learning from professional culinary experts to craft a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. And let's not forget our incredible porters, hailing from villages from different villages around Cusco. These dedicated individuals often balance their duties with farming back home, showcasing their incredible work ethic and dedication to your experience.

Responsible and Sustainable Tourism: At Alpaca Expeditions, we don't just lead tours; we lead by example. We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism that enriches both our community and our clients. Our commitment to giving back is woven into the fabric of our company, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably with those who make it all possible.

The Alpaca Family: Our team is not just employees; they are our family. Their loyalty, hard work, and genuine happiness define us. When you choose Alpaca Expeditions, you embark on a journey not only through Peru's stunning landscapes but also through the hearts of the extraordinary men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of introducing you to the best of Peru. Our award-winning company has earned its place as a trusted and respected name in the industry, and we are ready to share our expertise with you. Your adventure with Alpaca Expeditions will be more than a tour; it will be an immersion into the soul of Peru, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.


Alpaca Expeditions Details

Tour Types:
Hiking, Archeology, Nature
Sales Agents:
Veronica Cabrera
Offices In:
Peru
Notable Awards:
Peru's Leading Travel Agency 2019, Peru's Leading Tour Operator 2021, Peru's Leading Tour Operator 2022, Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice 2022, Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice 2023
Founded By:
Raul Ccolque, Ronaldo Ccoqlue
Founded:
2012
Featured In:
Forbes, American Airlines, Netflix, Lonely Planet, Gestion, Afar