homepage - outings - national - brochure - 12770a

The Trip

Indulge your love of archaeology and Amazon wildlife in one trip! The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a must-see for all world travelers worth their passport stamps. We spend two days there toward the end of the trip, but first we explore some lesser known, but impressive, significant Inca sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

We meet the first night in Cusco to begin a trip by all-terrain van and riverboat, down through the cloud forest and into the Amazon Basin to the outskirts of the remote Manu Biosphere Reserve. Staying in comfortable rainforest lodges, we view the rainforest canopy, cruise the river, float upon an oxbow lake, and hike through the lush vegetation in search of cocks-of-the-rock, butterflies, macaws, tapirs, giant otters, howler monkeys, and other unique wildlife.

Back in the Andes, we explore Cusco and hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, viewing archaeological sites, attending a local market, visiting a weaving co-op, and exploring Quechua villages along the way. Our trip culminates with a train trip to experience the breathtaking panoramic vistas and magical wonder of Machu Picchu where we can hike up the Inca Trail to the Gate of the Sun.

Itinerary

Check out our itinerary on Google Maps: http://bit.ly/kZiihU

Key for meals included in the trip price: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).

Day 1: Cusco. Most flights from Lima arrive in the morning, which gives you a little time to acclimate to the high altitude before we meet in the evening for our Orientation & Welcome Dinner. Transfer to our hotel on your own. You might want to arrive a couple of days early to explore Lima on your own before flying to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. (D)

Day 2: Cusco - Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. Leaving Cusco the very next day after an early breakfast, we travel by all-terrain van through the spectacular eastern range of the Andes to visit the pretty Quechua village of Paucartambo (Village of the Flowers). Back in our van, we ascend to the pass overlooking the Amazon Basin and begin the breathtaking descent -- from 11,200 feet to 5,120 feet -- to our comfortable lodge in the orchid-laden cloud forest. In the early evening, we walk into the lodge to the sounds of quetzals, trogons, and gray-breasted wood wrens. Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge - Amazonia Lodge. We take a pre-breakfast walk through the cloud forest to see the strange and beautiful cocks-of-the-rock display at dawn. Bright red-orange males dance and sing, attempting to attract the favors of the females. After a leisurely breakfast and a walk down the little-traveled road to view the flora and fauna, we continue by van to the Madre de Dios River, where we take a short canoe ride across the river to the comfortable Amazonia Lodge. This family-run, converted tea hacienda has a bird list of over 550 species, including numerous hummingbirds. The lodge is situated in the transitional zone at 1,500 feet where the last low foothills of the Andes flatten out into the lowland Amazon Basin. Overnight at Amazonia Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Amazonia Lodge - Manu Wildlife Center. After our early-morning nature walk, we head down the Alto Madre De Dios River in motorized canoes, past native communities, to our comfortable lodge at Manu Wildlife Center. This lodge is a base for scientific research in the area and a center for visitors exploring the rainforest. The afternoon is set aside to relax, or you may want to walk through the jungle at sunset to watch roosting flights of parrots and macaws. Manu Wildlife Center has a canopy platform accessible via a spiral staircase so everyone can enjoy the rainforest canopy. Those who wish can participate in a night walk with our guide in search of nocturnal animals. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Manu Wildlife Center. Today will be a very early day as we head out to a macaw clay lick. This is a true spectacle as hundreds of parrots and macaws congregate to eat mineral-rich clay that is essential to their diet. We hide behind a blind to get close to the birds. After lunch at the lodge, we'll explore other trails in search of emperor and saddleback tamarins, and we have often seen the rare Goeldi's monkey. Overnight at the Manu Wildlife Center. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Manu Wildlife Center. It's another early morning as we head out to Cocha Blanco, an ox-bow lake, on our floating platform and look for giant otters and other wildlife. In the evening there is an optional walk to another clay lick for a chance to see some nocturnal creatures, including tapirs, the largest South American land mammal, from the comfort of a blind with mosquito nets and mattresses. Overnight at the Manu Wildlife Center. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Manu Wildlife Center - Cusco. Early morning flocks of birds pass over the boat as we head downriver and overland to Puerto Maldonado where we’ll board a flight back to Cusco, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight in Cusco. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Cusco. Today we spend the morning visiting the Temple of the Sun at Koricancha and the cyclopean fortress of Sacsayhuaman in the hills above town. The afternoon is free for resting, shopping, or further exploring. Overnight in Cusco. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we head into the Urubamba River Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to visit the high mountain village of Chinchero (12,300 feet), which boasts a fine colonial church and a massive Inca wall. We visit the Incas’ experimental agricultural site of Moray, walk along the plain with stunning views of the Chicon and Pitisuray massifs, then hike down through the Maras salt pans (10,800 feet) that have been used since Inca times to produce salt by evaporation, and over the Pichingoto bridge. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Sacred Valley. We begin the day at the Inca fortress above the colonial town of Pisac (9,700 feet) and hike an hour down from the Temple of the Sun to the Tuesday market in town. After lunch, we visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo (9,200 feet) where the Incas laid out a cobblestoned village below a massive, terraced fortress/temple. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. We catch the train from Ollantaytambo to the bustling backpacker town of Aguas Calientes arriving in the late morning. From there we head up the many switchbacks, some 2,000 feet above the Urubamba River, to Machu Picchu, one of the finest architectural achievements of the early Americas. We’ll lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge and have a tour of the site before the 4:30 p.m. closing time. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Machu Picchu. We return to Machu Picchu before the arrival of the tourist trains for an uncrowded and unhurried second visit. We will also have an opportunity to hike from the citadel to popular hike destinations such as Huayna Picchu, the adjacent mountain; the Temple of the Moon; or up the Inca Trail to Intipunku, the Gate of the Sun. We catch the afternoon train back to Cusco for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Cusco. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Cusco. Our trip ends this morning. Breakfast is available for those not rushing off to catch planes, trains, or buses to different destinations. Transfers beyond the hotel are on your own.(B)

Please note: Weather or other conditions may require changes to this itinerary.

Getting There

The trip begins and ends at our hotel in Cusco. This allows you to make arrival and departure plans on your own since we’ve found that some people prefer to spend more time in Lima, and others like to go on to Puno (Lake Titicaca) and other points of Peru from Cusco.

Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Most flights from the U.S. arrive in the late evening or early morning hours. You can either choose to spend a few days exploring Lima or make an early-morning reservation for an ongoing flight to Cusco. We are happy to give you information on making arrangements for staying in Lima, getting to and from Cusco, and taking pre- and post-trips in the country.

Accommodations and Food

We stay at clean and comfortable hotels and rainforest lodges. Most are locally owned and operated, with three- or four-star ratings and private baths, although we share bathrooms on one night in the rainforest. Lighting at the rainforest lodges is by candle and lantern, but we can use a generator in the evening to charge electrical gadgets.

Breakfast at the hotels will often be a light buffet. Lunches and dinners will be taken at hotels and independent restaurants. Occasionally, we have a box lunch while out in the countryside. Food will be plentiful and varied. All meals are included in the trip price: most with the group, and a few on your own to give you a chance to explore. Although Peru is not a haven for vegetarians, we will try to provide vegetarian options where possible.

Trip Difficulty

The trip is divided into two segments. The first segment from Cusco to Manu is moderate. We have a couple of long days in our all-terrain van or in covered riverboats, stopping to see sights en route. While at Manu, we have several hikes under two miles in length, and the purpose is to walk slowly and quietly through the rainforest to watch for the wildlife. Paths can be muddy if it is rainy.

From Cusco to Machu Picchu, the trip becomes more strenuous because we are at significant altitude. Cusco itself is at 11,000 feet, and the abrupt change in altitude, following flights from lower elevations, affects most people. We have a support van to accommodate those who are not up for hiking, but you will not be accompanied by a trip leader on the van and may miss some of the trip highlights. Even if you decide not to hike, you may have difficulty with the altitude, especially if you have had difficulty with altitude elsewhere.

We do a lot of walking on dirt trails and cobblestones, clambering over rocks, and climbing high steps at the archeological sites. Our hikes in the Andes take a couple of hours, are at elevations from 8,500 feet to nearly 12,500 feet, and involve some steep downhills.

To fully enjoy this trip and avoid altitude sickness, you should be in good physical condition. You should also enjoy getting up before the crack of dawn to view wildlife or experience less crowded venues. And our dinners are often later in the evening, as is the Peruvian custom. Emotional balance, flexibility, maturity, a sense of humor, and a spirit of adventure are essential to making this an enjoyable experience.

Equipment and Clothing

Sturdy, lightweight, broken-in hiking boots are a must, and one or two collapsible trekking poles (with rubber tips for rocky Machu Picchu) are highly recommended. A day pack is also required gear. A detailed packing list will be sent to participants.

We face some weight limitations on baggage. First, note that all domestic flights in Peru limit passengers to 20 kg (44 lbs) of checked luggage. Then, the train to Machu Picchu will limit us to 5 kg (11 lbs). A soft nylon duffle bag will come in very handy for reducing your luggage en route and your other bag can be stored at the hotel in Cusco. Excess baggage fees may be charged and are not included.

A vaccination for yellow fever is required by Peru, though it is very rare that you will be asked to document this. It is recommended that you carry your International Certificate of Vaccination along with your passport. Detailed health information, including suggested anti-malarial medication and altitude sickness prevention measures, will be provided to participants well in advance of departure.

References

• Thomson, Hugh, A Sacred Landscape. An often-humorous account of his travels to a number of the archeological sites we will visit.
• Mann, Charles, 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. Fascinating discussion about the size and sophistication of the Incas and other New World civilizations.
• Bingham, Hiram. Lost City of the Incas. A reprint of Bingham's original account of his "discovery" of Machu Picchu. A good adventure story and worthwhile read, but a lot of his theories were later disproved.
• Hemming, John. The Conquest of the Incas. The definitive account of the Spanish conquest of Peru and the Incas.
• Munn, C.A. "Winged Rainbow Macaws," National Geographic, January, 1994. This story tells of research efforts with macaws in Manu and related areas.

Conservation

The Peruvian Andes, the primary source of the Amazon River, have largely protected the rainforest in Peru. However, a number of threats have appeared: slash-and-burn agriculture, small-farm homesteading, timber extraction, mining, poaching, and oil exploration have all made inroads into this once-trackless region. Efforts are being made to protect more Amazonian areas from agriculture, mining, and tree cutting, as well as from the huge, illegal parrot and macaw pet trade, which has devastated their numbers in many areas of Amazonia. We will examine these issues, as well as the preservation of culture and heritage among the indigenous people throughout the country. We will also learn about conservation efforts being undertaken to protect the ancient archaeological sites. Finally, we will discuss the positive and negative impacts of ecotourism.

Trip Price

This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader.

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

The Sierra Club accurately and fairly budgets and prices our trips. However, unforeseen costs such as devaluation of the dollar compared to other currencies and fuel surcharges assessed by our international providers may necessitate adjustment in trip price. We will make every effort to mitigate and absorb these fees. If a price increase is necessary, however, you will have 14 days after announcement to cancel without penalty.

Staff

Barbara Kamm grew up in Peru and has fond memories of being thrown into the family station wagon to take extended trips around the country. She speaks Spanish like a Peruvian and is an archaeology buff. Barbara was born and raised overseas and has traveled extensively through over 50 countries and most of the U.S. She loves the outdoors and has led hiking trips in Peru, Mexico, the Czech Republic, and Spain.

E-mail: bbkamm@gmail.com

---

General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback