Inca Heartland and Jungle Refuge Tour

9 Days

From $ 1,149

About this SAAT Travel tour: Inca Heartland and Jungle Refuge

This tour takes in the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu and others dotted around Cusco, before adventuring into the jungle to experience the wild side. You’ll be staying in the Rufugios Amazonas Lodge, perfect for those wanting a relaxing time, whilst still being able to experience the incredible diversity of the Amazon rainforest’s flora and fauna. We offer amazing trips at the best possible prices, so if you’re intent on experiencing the ultimate that the Inca heartland and the Amazon have to offer, travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon with South America Adventure Travel. All tours are tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon for less with South America Adventure Travel

Day 1
To The Ancient Andean Capital

Lima to Cusco
As you arrive at the airport in Lima we'll be waiting to assist you with your flight to Cusco. The flight takes about an hour, and as soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.

Day 2
Historical Highlights of Cusco

Cusco
After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley
After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)

Day 4
Citadel in the Clouds

Machu Picchu
Following a relaxed breakfast your South America Adventure Travel guide will deliver you to the train station where you'll take a morning departure bound for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Once there our guides will meet you; and while one takes you directly up to the majestic ruins, our other representatives will ensure your luggage arrives safely at your hotel. Machu Picchu is probably best described as being indescribable. The setting alone is unique and leans quite seriously towards the spiritual. It's not easy getting one's head around just how the Inca managed it all; stones the size of houses are beautifully carved and fitted jigsaw-like together with amazing craftsmanship. The Inca hadn't even invented the wheel, and yet somehow they built Machu Picchu. This is all discussed on your tour around the area following which you'll have some time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon transportation is provided back to Aguas Calientes where you may choose to enjoy the evening in the relaxing hot springs located at the end of town. (Meals - B) *** Note: Ask your travel specialist about our promotional upgrade to Vistadome Train and Private Guided Machu Picchu Tour!

Day 5
Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco

Machu Picchu to Cusco
If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, you can return again today for another look. It's a good idea to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative, and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Into the Amazon

Tambopata
After your domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon you will be met and guided to the river port where you'll ride a motorized canoe to the lodge. The ride takes approximately two and a half hours and gives you some time to appreciate the wild side of the jungle. Upon arrival at the lodge you'll be given a short orientation and then some time to relax in the beautiful surroundings. The evening is dedicated to a delicious dinner, following which you'll board a canoe in search of giant caimans along the riverbank. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 7
Life around the ox-bow

Tambopata
Waking to the sounds of the Amazon, you're now truly ensconced in the jungle - bugs will buzz, birds will shriek, and every square inch is teeming with life. After breakfast you'll be guided to the nearby Sachavacayoc Oxbow Lake where you'll be able to catch a few of the jungle's more curious creatures at work, such as the occasional river otter, horned screamers and the peculiar Hoatzin bird that evolution seems to have passed by. There are short hikes available for those willing and wanting to visit the Condenado Lake. Following this you'll return to the lodge for lunch before visiting a local ethno-botanical farm owned by one Don Manuel who will demonstrate the various models of sustainable projects and perma-culture being utilized in the area. You'll then return to the lodge for dinner and be given the option of venturing out on a late night jungle walk to check out a few of the area's nocturnal dwellers. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 8
Clay Lick at dawn

Tambopata
Following a scrumptious jungle breakfast you'll take a short boat ride followed by an hour-long jungle hike to visit a parrot hang-out where, from behind a strategically placed blind, you'll be able to get a good view of the hoards of macaws that gather there, scrambling to get the juiciest bits of clay off the side of a jungle cliff face. Scientists believe they eat the clay in order to neutralize toxins in their diets. There are hundreds of these bright and babbly parakeets, and bringing your camera along on this leg of the tour is strongly advised. You'll then continue on to an area where larger animals dwell, such as peccaries, before returning to the lodge for lunch. After eating you'll climb the canopy tower which boasts spectacular views over the surrounding jungle. From above it's quite common to observe a large array of birdlife such as toucans fluttering above the jungle canopy. Dinner will then be served back at the lodge. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 9
Return to Lima and end of tour

Lima
After breakfast you'll have an early morning transfer to Puerto Maldonado for you domestic flight to Lima, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)