Inca Heartland & Amazon

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive La Paz

Arrive in La Paz at any time. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city as there are no planned activities.The altitude and resulting lack of oxygen may affect you due to height of the village. It may take a little time to acclimatize to this, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Take it easy for the first day or two, and make sure you cut back on alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. You may also find that your appetite is reduced. This is no cause for alarm, but simply a reaction to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day.Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its center at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is just under the 4000 m (13,120 ft) mark, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors alike may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. You have time to check out the thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. Discover a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods.Visit, as an optional tour, one of the many museums or partake in a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Day 2-4 La Paz / Taquile Island Homestay (B, L, D)

Enjoy spectacular views of the Altiplano countryside on this full day of travel from La Paz, around Lake Titicaca and on to Puno. The next morning we board a boat on Lake Titicaca. We head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives. From there we head to Amantani where overnight with a local family and enjoy typical music of the area. The following morning we will visit the floating islands of Uros en route to Puno.Titicaca is the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. On our way to Taquile Island we pass the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today they speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-speakers. Today about 300 families live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of layers upon layers of reeds; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. The reeds are also used to build their boats, which if constructed well will last up to 6 months.The people of Taquile Island's unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, and the colour contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky and the greenery of the local crops. For the night we split into smaller groups and billet into family homes to experience their style of living first-hand. The following morning we visit the Uros Islands on our way back to Puno. Return to Puno for a night before leaving for Cuzco.

Day 5 Cuzco

The trip from Puno to Cuzco takes the better part of the day. Travel through the high Altiplano region and take time to notice the stark and beautiful scenery en route.Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to experience an age-old culture and to delve into its tragic and noble past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. We spend the next few days relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the higher altitude before our trek.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network and in this respect is reminiscent of Kathmandu in Nepal. Both cities attract travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build. It is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. This ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 6-7 Amazon Jungle (2B, 2L, 2D)

Fly from Cuzco, high in the Andes, to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle. Travel by motorized canoe to our lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area, which holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Explore the jungle with local guides before flying to Lima for a final night out. About half of Peru is located within the Amazon Basin, however, due to its isolation, not a lot of it is available to the casual traveller. Puerto Maldonado is the region’s principal city and is serviced by air from the capital and from Cuzco. The town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers, and is a bustling, booming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are gold mining, Brazil nut collecting, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism. After a brief stop in the town depart on an afternoon boat trip by motorized canoe to our jungle lodge. Depending on flight arrival times, either have a boxed lunch aboard the boat or enjoy a sit-down lunch upon arrival at the lodge. Take the opportunity to spot on of the hundreds of bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as Black Skimmers, Pied Lapwings, Capped Herons, Jabiru Storks, Roadside Hawks and several species of kingfishers, swallows, and flycatchers. The Tambopata area includes habitats ranging from the Andean highlands around the rivers' headwaters through some of the last remaining intact cloud forests to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin. The area is renowned for its diverse plant and animal populations and include over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world’s total), 200 mammal species including 4 species of primates, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants—all protected within the reserve. Some of the more famous residents are the Harpy Eagle, the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, tapir, peccary, jaguar, ocelot and playful river otters who live in the area’s oxbow lakes.The lodge itself combines native architectural style and materials with low-impact eco-friendly technology. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito netting for individual beds, flush toilets, showers (no hot water), and kerosene lamps for lighting (no electricity). Local community members make up the majority the lodge staff, including multilingual Naturalist Guides. Here you have the opportunity to learn from them not only about the area’s rich flora and fauna, but also about their extensive practical uses for medicinal plants and other forest plant resources, through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.

Day 8 Cuzco

Return to Puerto Maldonado for an early morning flight back to Cuzco. Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Try on of the more adventurous optional activities available in Cuzco like horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara, white water rafting on the Urubamba River and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way.

Day 9 Ollantaytambo

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Catch your breath and prepare for the hike ahead.Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. Spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.

Day 10-13 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (3B, 3L, 3D)

The 4-day hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is included in the cost of the tour. For those interested in a challenging but worthwhile hike, the Inca Trail is exceptional, however you must be prepared for it! It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared.Depart Ollantaytambo for km 82, the beginning of our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. The local crew of porters, cooks and guides look after you for the duration of this hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the hike only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. Walk the trail that linked this ancient empire and admire breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Keep an eye out for a great variety of flora (seasonal), including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes.Pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata. On the second day, climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. Enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba which is the second pass of the hike at 3998 m (13113 ft). The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass. At this point, walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). Reward yourself by taking the time to appreciate the beautiful views of the Urubamba. Reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. 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.On the final day of the hike climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround 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.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.Take the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where they overnight. Next morning they take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or G.A.P Adventures.Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will take an alternate route along the Urubamba River.

Day 14-17 Arequipa / Chivay / Colca Canyon

Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, so older buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors. Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, with its beautiful snow-capped peak at 5822 m (19096 ft). The next two days are dedicated to visiting the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, which involves a remarkable drive through Inca and pre-Inca terracing. Once at the Canyon look for the king of the Andes, the Andean Condor, as well as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, while enjoying the stunning highland scenery. Night bus to Nazca.

Day 18 Nazca

Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something that modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. The entire desert area was also once the home for the ancient Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennium. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during our tour of an ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site, with 1500 year-old mummies, bones and pottery. The tour also includes a visit to a pottery workshop.

Day 19 Pisco

In the morning, catch a bus for Pisco and travel north along the coast. Pisco is an oasis in this barren land, and an important port town. The name is derived from the white grape brandy produced in the region. If you haven’t yet tried the national drink, the Pisco Sour, then this is the place to do it. While the town itself is of considerable historical and archaeological interest, use it as a starting point for an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe the sea lion colonies, penguins and a variety of other birds.

Day 20 Lima

If you did not go yesterday, take the optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands in the early morning. The islands are very popular with visitors who come to view the lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins and other varieties of bird life. Arrive in Lima by late afternoon.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. Get a feel for colonial Lima by taking a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watching the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (13 nts), bus (1 nt), jungle lodge (2 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Brochure Notes	1. Last-minute bookings of this trip and all trips that include the Inca Trail will be on an "on request" basis only. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the Inca Trail, G.A.P Adventures requires your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number. 2. Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cuzco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
Combination	This tour is a component of our Southern Cross tour, see code SXRM.
Departure	Departs weekly
DepEnd	Fri-Thurs
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca with overnight family homestay, 2-night Amazon Jungle Excursion, Guided tour of Sacred Valley, 4-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Guided tour of Colca Canyon (overnight) and Tour of Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio.
Local Payment	USD300
Meals Included	All meals while in the jungle, during homestay and on the Inca Trail.
Recommendation	This trip is available without the Amazon - see code BXLM.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code PJML.
StartFinish	La Paz to Lima
Testimonial	"It was the most well organized and professionally run trip I have been on. The Inca Trail and Jungle Lodge were very big highlights." - Glen Hrycan travelled on Inca Heartland and Amazon
Transport	Public bus, local flight, canoe, train, boat, hiking.
Brochure Intro	Peru's desert coast, towering Andes, wondrous Amazon, and most spectacular lake make up this packed 3-week exploration of the Inca heartland.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-03	2008-10-23	5
2008-10-10	2008-10-30	7+
2008-10-14	2008-11-03	2
2008-10-24	2008-11-13	4
2008-10-31	2008-11-20	5
2008-11-04	2008-11-24	7+
2008-11-11	2008-12-01	7+
2008-11-14	2008-12-04	5
2008-11-21	2008-12-11	7+
2008-11-28	2008-12-18	7+
2008-12-05	2008-12-25	7+
2008-12-12	2009-01-01	7+
2008-12-16	2009-01-05	7+
2008-12-19	2009-01-08	7+
2008-12-23	2009-01-12	7+
2008-12-26	2009-01-15	7+
2009-01-02	2009-01-22	7+
2009-01-06	2009-01-26	7+
2009-01-09	2009-01-29	7+
2009-01-13	2009-02-02	7+
2009-01-16	2009-02-05	7+
2009-01-23	2009-02-12	7+
2009-01-30	2009-02-19	7+
2009-02-06	2009-02-26	7+
2009-02-13	2009-03-05	7+
2009-02-17	2009-03-09	7+
2009-02-20	2009-03-12	7+
2009-02-24	2009-03-16	6
2009-02-27	2009-03-19	7+
2009-03-06	2009-03-26	7+
2009-03-10	2009-03-30	7+
2009-03-13	2009-04-02	7+
2009-03-21	2009-04-10	4
2009-03-27	2009-04-16	7+
2009-04-03	2009-04-23	7+
2009-04-10	2009-04-30	7+
2009-04-17	2009-05-07	7+
2009-04-21	2009-05-11	7+
2009-04-24	2009-05-14	7+
2009-04-28	2009-05-18	7+
2009-05-01	2009-05-21	7+
2009-05-08	2009-05-28	7+
2009-05-12	2009-06-01	7+
2009-05-15	2009-06-04	7+
2009-05-19	2009-06-08	7+
2009-05-22	2009-06-11	7+
2009-05-29	2009-06-18	7+
2009-06-05	2009-06-25	7+
2009-06-12	2009-07-02	7+
2009-06-19	2009-07-09	7+
2009-06-23	2009-07-13	7+
2009-06-26	2009-07-16	7+
2009-06-30	2009-07-20	7+
2009-07-03	2009-07-23	7+
2009-07-10	2009-07-30	7+
2009-07-14	2009-08-03	7+
2009-07-17	2009-08-06	7+
2009-07-21	2009-08-10	7+
2009-07-24	2009-08-13	7+
2009-07-31	2009-08-20	7+
2009-08-07	2009-08-27	7+
2009-08-14	2009-09-03	7+
2009-08-21	2009-09-10	7+
2009-08-25	2009-09-14	7+
2009-08-28	2009-09-17	7+
2009-09-01	2009-09-21	7+
2009-09-04	2009-09-24	7+
2009-09-11	2009-10-01	7+
2009-09-15	2009-10-05	7+
2009-09-18	2009-10-08	7+
2009-09-22	2009-10-12	7+
2009-09-29	2009-10-19	7+
2009-10-06	2009-10-26	7+
2009-10-13	2009-11-02	7+
2009-10-20	2009-11-09	7+
2009-10-27	2009-11-16	7+
2009-11-03	2009-11-23	7+
2009-11-10	2009-11-30	7+
2009-11-17	2009-12-07	7+
2009-11-24	2009-12-14	7+
2009-12-01	2009-12-21	7+
2009-12-08	2009-12-28	7+
2009-12-15	2010-01-04	7+
2009-12-22	2010-01-11	7+
2009-12-29	2010-01-18	7+

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