Tambopata and the Inca Citadel Tour

9 Days

From $ 1,199

About this SAAT Travel tour: Tambopata and the Inca Citadel

Gourmet food in Lima, the enchantingly rich flora and fauna of the Amazon jungle, and of course the enigmatic Inca heartland, all combine on this tour to create an unforgettable travel package to Lima, the Amazon jungle, Cusco and Machu Picchu. We offer exceptional tours at the best possible prices and our experienced local guides will ensure that you get the ultimate travel experience throughout. So, if you’re ready for adventure travel to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon with South America Adventure Travel. All tours can be tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Lima, the Inca heartland and the Amazon for less with South America Adventure Travel

Day 1
Arrival in Lima

Lima
Upon clearing immigration and customs at the international airport in Lima, look out for your South America Adventure Travel representative with a placard bearing your name. Our rep will give you a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel, briefing you along the way on all your travel arrangements for your stay in Peru. As you'll probably be a little jet-lagged, the rest of the day following arrival at your hotel is set-aside for your leisure. If however, you're keen to get out and explore the area, ask your travel representative for some restaurant and bar recommendations. Lima is now the culinary capital of Latin America, and a wide variety of very decently priced restaurants can be found all over the city.

Day 2
Lima City and Museum Tour

Lima
After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel you'll begin a guided tour of the city with a South America Adventure Travel expert. The tour centers on the colonial city centre, where you'll be guided around The Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the Governor's Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Covenant and Plaza San Martin. Following the tour, you'll visit either the Gold Museum or the Archaeological Museum where you'll receive a crash course in Peruvian history. Both museums are stunning, and are filled with a wealth of relics and information that bear tribute to the historical cultures that have defined Peru. The evening is once again set aside for your leisure. You can either relax at your hotel or throw yourself into the world-class restaurants and unbeatable nightlife of a Latin American city. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Into Tambopata

Posadas Amazonas
The day begins with your transfer to the airport and your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Once there we will guide you to the river port where you'll ride a motor canoe to the lodge. It's here in the jungle where things start to get wild - it's hot, buggy, and extremely vivid. As soon as you've been settled in and shown around the lodge you'll make out for the observation tower which boasts stunning views over the surrounding Tambopata jungle. Sunset is a great time to catch the resident birdlife coming home to roost. In the evening, following a delicious jungle dinner you'll be led on a night hike in search of some nocturnal adventure and wildlife. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 4
Life in the Oxbow

Posadas Amazonas
Today you will wake to the natural sounds of the forest, enjoy a delicious lodge breakfast and then board a motorized canoe and head out for Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake. The lake is often visited by a small family of otters, and around it a number of other curious creatures make their home. Among them is the Hoatzin bird, something akin to a hairy pterodactyl, it must be seen to be believed. Later on you'll visit a parrot hang-out where, from behind a strategically placed blind, you'll be able to take a look at 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. After lunch back at the lodge you'll visit the Centro Nape where a resident medicine man will give you an introduction to some jungle plants and their medicinal/psychotropic properties. Dinner will then be served back at the lodge, following which you can take another wild night walk or relax for the remainder of the evening. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 5
To The Ancient Andean Capital

Lima to Cusco
After an early breakfast you'll depart for the airport at Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco. As soon as you arrive in Cusco our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to brief you on what to expect during your tour. In the afternoon you'll be collected for a 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 6
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 an easygoing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)

Day 7
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 8
Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco

Machu Picchu
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 9
Leisure time and Train to Cusco

Machu Picchu to Cusco
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast in preparation for your trip to Lima, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Cusco, taking with you incredible memories of the experiences shared with us in Peru. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)