Day 1 (Tuesday)
Morning flight from the UK to Lima, arriving evening the same day. You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel (2 nights).
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Free day in Lima. Optional Colonial Lima excursion.
Day 3 (Thursday)
Morning flight to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado. After a 10 mile drive to the port of Infierno, take a beautiful 2 1/2 hour boat ride up the Tambopata River to your lodge, located close to the Tambopata National Reserve. After an introduction to the lodge, have dinner before taking a night trip on the river to look for caimans.
Day 4 (Friday)
At dawn, we have a beautiful two hour hike through the forest to Sachavacayoc oxbow lake, where we paddle to search for giant river otters, hoatzin and other lakeside wildlife. We walk back through the jungle to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we have a fascinating visit to an Amazon farm in a nearby community, where every plant and tree serves a purpose. We also explore a patch of brazil nut forest that has been harvested for decades, and visit a camp used by brazil nut gatherers, to understand the jungle’s only sustainably harvested product. After dinner, take a night walk in the forest.
Day 5 (Saturday)
An early morning boat ride to a recently discovered parakeet lick, where on most clear mornings different species descend to ingest the clay. After returning to the lodge, we have a 20 minute walk to a peccary clay lick, where we may see herds of wild rainforest pigs and maybe other mammals. In the afternoon, we have a short walk to the 25-metre scaffolding canopy tower. From the top of the tower, we have a wonderful view over primary forest and a chance to watch the flocks of toucans and macaws.
Day 6 (Sunday)
Morning flight to Cusco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free (3 nights).
Day 7 (Monday)
Join us on a guided tour of Inca Cusco (optional).
Day 8 (Tuesday)
Optional excursion to the Sacred Valley, including the famous market in Pisac.
Day 9 (Wednesday)
An early morning drive to the start of the trail, which follows the Urubamba River before starting to climb. We pass several Inca sites before arriving at Huayllabamba at 3,000m, where we have dinner and camp for the night.
Day 10 (Thursday)
A tough, but rewarding, day begins with a steep climb to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200m, from where the views are spectacular. We descend to our camp in the Pacamayo Valley.
Day 11 (Friday)
We climb again, crossing the second pass at 4,000m, seeing several Inca ruins on the way. The trail clings to the side of the mountain, passing through an Inca tunnel, before emerging to views of the cloud forest below. The path drops steeply, arriving at the fabulous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, where we spend the night.
Day 12 (Saturday)
We set off before dawn, arriving at the Sun Gate in time for sunrise and our first view of Machu Picchu. Carrying on to the ruins we have a guided tour before descending to the valley, and perhaps resting our weary bodies in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. We catch the afternoon train back to Cusco (2 nights).
Day 13 (Sunday)
A free day in Cusco to do some shopping or just relax.
Day 14 (Monday)
A fascinating full-day coach journey across the altiplano, including guided visits to the Inca site of Raqchi and the beautiful colonial church in Andahuaylillas. After lunch in Sicuani (included), visit the pre-Inca site of Pucara, before arriving in Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Evening at leisure (2 nights). There is also the option to travel to Puno by train.
Day 15 (Tuesday)
A full day on the lake, visiting the floating Uros Islands before heading to the beautiful Taquile Island. After an energetic walk up the hill to the main village, have lunch of fresh fish caught in the lake.
Day 16 (Wednesday)
Visit the funerary towers of Sillustani before catching your flight to Lima (1 night).
Day 17 (Thursday)
Free day in Lima. Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to the UK.
Day 18 (Friday)
Arrival in the UK.
Please note: jungle excursions may vary due to weather conditions.
For a supplement, you can stay in the beautiul Reserva Amazonica, a superior lodge with attractive bungalows and hot water. A stay at this lodge includes a visit to its 300 metre long canopy walkway, allowing you to see the jungle from a different perspective, 30 metres above the ground. If you stay in the Reserva Amazonica, days 3 to 5 of your itinerary will be as follows:
Day 3 (Thursday)
Morning flight to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, followed by a boat ride down the Madre de Dios River to your jungle lodge. An afternoon walk, with guides explaining the flora and fauna of the Amazon Rainforest.
Day 4 (Friday)
We visit Rolin Island in the morning, home to various species of monkey. After lunch, we take a boat ride on Lago Sandoval, a giant oxbow lake home to river otters, macaws and other colourful birds. Returning to the lodge after dark, we have the chance to observe caimans and nocturnal birds on the riverbanks.
Day 5 (Saturday)
Today we visit Gamitana Creek, where we observe the local wildlife and try some native fishing techniques. We have lunch by the side of the creek, before returning to the lodge.
A Night at Machu Picchu
If you are interested in spending a night at Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, please ask us for details.