9 Days Classic Inca Trail and Tambopata tour

On the first day, we begin our journey from Km 82, crossing the Urubamba River Bridge, and immediately stepping into the ancient footsteps of the Incas. As we walk along the winding path, we are treated to stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range, with the river flowing beside us, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Our route takes us through the narrow, beautiful Cusichaca valley, where the surrounding cliffs and lush greenery highlight the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, we’ll pass through the indigenous community of Huayllabamba, where you’ll get a glimpse of local life and the rich culture of the people who call this area home.

The hike is supported by our local crew of porters and guides, who ensure our comfort and safety throughout the trek. The porters carry the majority of the gear, so all you need is a small daypack to hold your essentials for the day, like water, snacks, and a camera. At the end of the day’s walk, we’ll arrive at our first campsite at Wayllabamba, where we’ll settle in for the night.

The stunning surroundings and the hard-earned sense of achievement after the day’s trek make this camp a perfect place to relax and reflect on the journey ahead. The day’s trek is approximately 5 hours of walking, offering an excellent introduction to the trek and the spectacular landscape we’re about to explore.

On the second day, we begin our challenging ascent towards Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. Don’t let the name intimidate you, with the encouragement and support of your expert guide, you’ll push through the steep incline and reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean landscape. At an altitude of 4,215 meters (13,769 feet) above sea level, Warmiwañusca is the highest point of the entire trek, offering an incredible panorama of the mountains below.

After conquering the first pass, we’ll continue our trek to the second pass, Runcuracay, situated at 3,998 meters (13,113 feet). On clear days, you’ll be treated to **stunning views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range. The journey takes us through breathtaking terrain, with rugged paths, ancient Inca ruins, and vibrant plant life along the way. After a fulfilling day of trekking, we’ll arrive at Pacaymayo, where we’ll set up camp for the night. You’ll have a well-deserved rest and enjoy the tranquility of the Andean wilderness. The day’s trek takes about 7 hours of walking, but the stunning sights and accomplishments will make every step worth it.

Today the trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on a climb which is steeper than Dead Woman’s Pass but shorter (1 ½ hours), you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below.

Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the ‘Town above the Clouds’, at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. Approx. walking time 8 – 9 hours.(CAMPING)

Today we visit the remarkable Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you. It may be called the Sun Gate but bear in mind we are in the cloud forest and sometimes “Cloud Gate” would be a more suitable name.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, where your guide will be on hand to explain and give you an insight into the life of the Incas at Machu Picchu. For the keen, there’s also the opportunity to climb the sacred peak of Huaya Picchu. In the afternoon, we take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco. Approx. walking time 2 hours.(HOTEL)

Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the Sacred Valley on this full-day Super Valley tour, thoughtfully designed to combine archaeological heritage, living Andean culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery in a single, well-paced experience.

The day begins with hotel pickup at 7:30 a.m. in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village renowned for its Inca archaeological remains and rich textile traditions. Here, you will visit the archaeological site and a local weaving center, where expert artisans demonstrate ancestral techniques that continue to be practiced today.

We then proceed to the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, believed to have served as an important Inca agricultural experimentation center. A short drive brings us to the striking Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools form a unique geometric landscape and are still harvested using traditional methods.

The tour continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in the region. You will explore its impressive fortress and ceremonial terraces, followed by free time to enjoy lunch in the town.

In the afternoon, we visit the archaeological complex of Pisaq, known for its extensive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and panoramic views of the valley. After the guided visit, we return to Cusco in the early evening, concluding a day rich in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Later that night, you will board a comfortable overnight bus for the journey to Puerto Maldonado, marking the transition from the Andes to the Amazon region.

Transfer to the Cusco airport to take a flight to Puerto Maldonado When you arrive to Puerto Maldonado, our guides or staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the centre of the town where you can experience the exotic local market depending on the arrival time of the flights we may have the first lunch here or while travelling to the lodge or in the lodge.

We take our private bus along the Madre de Dios River for approximately 1 hour to our Ecolodge. A cool welcome drink awaits you and will be shown to your bungalows to settle in.

In the afternoon we will take a 30-minute boat journey to Monkey Island where you appreciate a great diversity of monkeys such the: as spiders, capuchins, tamarins y squirrel monkeys as well as racoons, capybaras and a rich variety of birds. We return to our Ecolodge for a traditional dinner. Night-time activities are available each night.

After a hearty jungle breakfast, we’ll embark on a 2 hour walk through the pristine, untouched forest to reach the stunning Sandoval Lake. As we journey through the dense jungle, we’ll be surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna, including the endangered Giant Otters, a variety of exotic birds, alligators, turtles, and numerous fish species. The hike offers a fantastic opportunity to observe the Amazon’s rich biodiversity up close, while your guide shares fascinating insights into the ecosystem.

Upon arriving at the lake, we’ll spend a few relaxing hours in canoes, silently gliding across the waters of one of the region’s most picturesque lakes. Here, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the tranquility of the jungle while enjoying views of the lush surroundings and observing wildlife along the shores.

Afterward, we may take a short visit to nearby traditional farming areas, where you’ll learn about the production of everyday supplies such as cacao, yuca, and other local crops, gaining a deeper understanding of the sustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon.

After a delicious jungle breakfast, we’ll continue our adventure with a 1 hour boat ride down the river to reach a specialized jungle project with a network of trails designed for exploration. Your expert guide will lead you through this rich ecosystem, offering the chance to discover the Amazon from above as you take part in a thrilling canopy walk.

From the treetops, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the rainforest and its biodiversity. The excitement continues as you descend from the trees using a zipline, gliding through the canopy for a unique perspective of the jungle.

Later, we’ll embark on a gentle hike, learning to recognize the sounds of bird calls, the footprints of wildlife, and the medicinal plants that thrive in the area. As part of the experience, we’ll visit a local family, offering insight into their sustainable living practices.

To finish the day, we’ll try fishing in one of the tranquil jungle lakes, using traditional techniques to connect with the region’s natural rhythms and the way of life of the indigenous communities.

Embark on a very early departure to witness the incredible spectacle of the Green Parrot’s Clay Lick at dawn. After a 1.5-hour boat ride through the Amazon River, you’ll arrive at the Clay-Lick wall just as the first light of day hits the jungle. Hundreds of vibrant green parrots gather here every morning to consume mineral-rich clay, a vital ritual that aids their digestion. Spend about one hour observing this mesmerizing scene and capturing the beauty of the Amazon rainforest as the birds interact in their natural habitat.

After this unforgettable birdwatching experience, you’ll return to the boat for a relaxing journey back to Puerto Maldonado, where a delicious breakfast will be waiting. You’ll then have to take a bus back to Cusco, continuing your journey through Peru’s diverse landscapes. This experience offers a perfect combination of nature, wildlife, and tranquility, showcasing the magic of the Amazon at sunrise.

If you’re looking to extend your adventure, we offer several exciting options, such as exploring the Nazca Lines, hiking through Colca Canyon to spot majestic condors, or delving deeper into the Amazon Rainforest for more wildlife encounters. You can also embark on additional treks to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca, depending on your interests. Let us know if you’d like to customize your itinerary with these add-on tours to make your trip even more extraordinary.