Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain + Tambopata 06 days

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, our staff will greet you with an identification sign and transport you safely to your selected hotel. This first day is dedicated to acclimatization to the altitude (3,399 meters above sea level), so we recommend resting and staying properly hydrated.

For those who want to start discovering Cusco, we recommend a few simple walks through the emblematic places of the historical center of the city, this is on your own, visiting:

• Plaza de Armas: The heart of the city, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings such as the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus, built on Inca foundations.
• San Pedro Market: It is the oldest and most emblematic market in Cusco, Peru. Located in the Plazoleta San Pedro, in front of the church of the same name and only 5 blocks from the Plaza de Armas, it is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the people of Cusco and explore the rich Andean culture.
• San Blas Neighborhood: Known as the “artisan’s neighborhood”, famous for its cobblestone streets, artist workshops, and charming San Blas church.
• Hatunrumiyoc Street: Here, you can admire the famous Inca wall with 12 angles, a perfect example of Inca stone engineering.

Recommendations:

• Avoid physical exertion on the first day.
• Drink plenty of water or coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.
• Bring warm clothing as nights in Cusco are cold.

After breakfast, we will begin the excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero: The Living Museum of Andean Textiles

Our journey starts in the village of Chinchero (3,762 meters above sea level), considered the textile capital of Cusco. Here, Quechua women, dressed in their colorful traditional outfits, will demonstrate the complete textile creation process: from washing alpaca wool with saqta roots (a soapy plant), to dyeing with natural pigments extracted from cochineal (insect), chilca (plant), and colli (mineral). We will visit the artisan market where we can purchase unique pieces directly from the creators and explore the archaeological complex with its colossal agricultural terraces and the Temple of Viracocha, where the enormous stone blocks are perfectly assembled without mortar.

Moray: The Agricultural Research Center

At 3,500 meters above sea level, we will discover Moray, the most sophisticated agricultural laboratory of pre-Columbian America. Its four groups of circular terraces (the largest being 150 meters in diameter and 45 meters deep) created up to 20 different microclimates, allowing crops like coca to be grown at altitudes where they would not normally thrive. Inca engineers developed climate adaptation techniques here that they later applied throughout their empire, demonstrating their advanced knowledge of hydraulics and thermodynamics.

Maras: The Salt Mines

We will admire the Maras Salt Mines, a visual spectacle of more than 3,000 stepped pools on the Qaqawiñay mountain. These salt mines, exploited since 200 BC, produce three types of salt: white salt (for consumption), pink salt (rich in minerals), and black salt (medicinal). The system of channels that distributes saltwater from the underground spring still operates the same as it did centuries ago, currently managed by local families who inherited the wells.

Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

In Urubamba, we will enjoy a complete buffet lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, allowing us to recharge our energy for the rest of the tour.

Ollantaytambo: The Fortress That Challenged the Conquerors

We will explore this unique archaeological complex that combines:

• The Temple of the Sun: with 50-ton monoliths brought from another mountain.
• The Monumental Terraces: a system of terraces that served as both defense and agricultural terraces.
• The Living Inca Village: with original streets, water channels, and 15th-century homes.

This was the last stronghold of Manco Inca during the resistance against the Spanish in 1536.

Journey to Machu Picchu

At sunset, we will board the train at Ollantaytambo station for a journey following the course of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. This trip allows us to witness how the valley transforms from an Andean landscape to a high jungle, preparing us for the visit to the jewel of the Inca Empire the following day.

Our day begins before dawn with an early breakfast at the hotel. We will head to the bus station to take the transportation that will take us to the main entrance of Machu Picchu (2,430 meters above sea level) in approximately 30 minutes.

Entry Process

Upon arrival:

• We will present our original passports (mandatory) to validate access.
• We will show the Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• Those who booked Huayna Picchu (additional cost of $65 USD) must present their special ticket (note: reservations must be made 6 months in advance).

Guided Tour

Our official guide will take us through the designated circuits (subject to availability at the time of booking):

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• We will visit the main constructions: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, and more.
• We will learn about the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the citadel.
• We will discover the advanced engineering techniques that continue to amaze experts.

Free Time and Return

After the tour, we will have time to:

• Take photographs from the main viewpoints.
• Explore independently (within the assigned circuit).
• Enjoy the unique energy of the place.

Finally, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Cusco.

Recommendations:

• Bring the original passport (mandatory).
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Rain protection (depending on the season).
• Extra money for souvenirs or food.

Important note:

The specific entry times and available circuits are confirmed when making the reservation. It is recommended to book as early as possible to get the best times.

Departure from Cusco

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will depart in private transport towards the starting point of the hike (approximately 2 hours of travel). During the journey, we will pass through Andean landscapes and traditional communities, preparing for this high-altitude experience.

Hike to Vinicunca

The ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and the acclimatization of each traveler. The trail, while challenging, offers spectacular views of the mountain range and the chance to observe the pastoral life of the area.

Arrival at the Mountain of Colors (5,200 meters above sea level)

Upon reaching the main viewpoint, we will be faced with the stunning Vinicunca Mountain, where mineral stripes create a natural rainbow effect. We will have approximately 30 minutes to:

• Photograph this unique geological phenomenon.
• Listen to our guide’s explanation about its formation.
• Enjoy the majesty of the landscape.

Descent and Return

For safety, we will begin the return as a group to our vehicle. We will have lunch at a local restaurant with hot dishes to help us regain energy before beginning our journey back to Cusco.

Safety Measures

Due to the extreme altitude (5,200 meters above sea level), our guides will carry:

• Supplementary oxygen for emergencies.
• A first aid kit.
• Constant monitoring of the group’s condition.

Recommendations:

• Wear trekking shoes with good grip.
• Bring warm clothing (gloves, hat, windbreaker).
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat).
• Walking poles (optional but recommended).
• Chew coca leaves or candies for altitude sickness.

Important Note:

Although the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours help with acclimatization, the altitude of Vinicunca represents a physical challenge. Supplementary oxygen is a preventive measure to ensure the safety of all participants.

Arrival in Puerto Maldonado

Early in the morning, we will arrive in Puerto Maldonado, where our Lorenzo Expeditions team will greet us to begin this Amazon adventure. From there, we will transfer to the river port to embark on a boat that will take us downstream to our eco-lodge, located in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve.

Welcome to the Lodge

Upon arrival, we will be greeted with a refreshing typical jungle drink made from local fruits. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we will enjoy a delicious lunch with fresh regional ingredients that will provide the energy we need for our first exploration.

Jungle Excursion

In the afternoon, we will begin a guided walk through primary forest, where we will discover:

• The incredible diversity of flora, including century-old trees and medicinal plants.
• The wildlife, such as monkeys, exotic birds, and colorful butterflies.
• An impressive observation tower over 50 meters tall, offering us a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy and its inhabitants.

Nighttime Alligator Search

As night falls, we will embark on an exciting boat excursion along the river, using special flashlights to spot alligators in their natural habitat. Our expert guide will explain these fascinating reptiles and their importance in the ecosystem.

Dinner and Rest

We will end the day with a comforting dinner at the lodge, sharing the day’s experiences under the starry canopy of the Amazon jungle.

Recommendations:

• Wear light and cool clothing in neutral colors.
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Comfortable footwear, resistant to water.
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• Camera with protection against moisture.

Magical Dawn in the Jungle

We will wake up before dawn to prepare and leave at 5:00 am by boat on the Tambopata River. We will navigate through the Tambopata National Reserve in the dim light of dawn, enjoying the awakening of the jungle as we head to the famous Collpa Chuncho, one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Amazon.

The Macaw Ritual

Upon arriving at the collpa, we will witness:

• The incredible daily ritual where hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets descend to eat clay.
• The explosion of colors as the flocks of birds arrive in groups.
• The scientific explanation of this behavior: how clay neutralizes the toxins in wild fruits.
• Unique opportunities to photograph up to 8 different species of parrots.

Breakfast in the Heart of Nature

We will enjoy a special breakfast outdoors, in front of this incredible natural spectacle. While savoring fresh food and hot drinks, we will continue admiring the constant parade of birds arriving at the collpa.

Return and Transfer

After this unforgettable experience, we will return to the lodge to collect our luggage and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will begin our return journey, navigating again along the Tambopata River until we reach Puerto Maldonado.

Visitors will be transferred according to their connection:

• To Padre Aldamiz airport for departure flights.
• To the land terminal to continue by bus.